PVA before blue grit

Hi,
Firstly, I'm 100% DIY so bare with me.

I've been asked to skim some walls for a friend who's had a tough time. Long story. I've had skimming success before but I'm now out of my depth


1. I've put PVA on the painted walls. 2:1 ratio. I just couldn't scrape the paint off so hoped it would be okay to plaster over.
I've just found blue grit via Google. Would it be okay to use that over the PVA? I'm trying to give myself the best chance.

2. Someone before be has half covered the walls in bonding plaster. How can I tell if it's adhered properly? I can't get in touch with this clown. Don't ask. My plan it to level out his bonding, then PVA /blue grit, then multifinish skim. Does that sound reasonable?

I know these are tricky questions.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

You don’t need blue grit. It’s like a gritty bonding agent for sticking to shiny surfaces/artex. Nothing wrong with it and meant to be good stuff, but PVA is also absolutely fine for your job. And cheaper.

Bonding is pretty good at, er, bonding to stuff so I doubt there’s an issue unless the previous guy has really ballsed it up, if it doesn’t sound hollow/doesn’t move should be ok. Just watch out when PVAing, the bare bonding will be *much* more suction than the painted wall, so will want several more coats of PVA to get it under control so you can skim it.
If the PVA goes tacky instantly then dry to the touch a few minutes later, you need more PVA. That’ll give you more time on your skim without it going off too quick on you.

Many thanks. Most appreciated.

Regards,
Dave.

Hi 23vc,
Just to let you know, I followed your advice and all went well.

Thanks again.

Dave.