Cilling

[John1980]

Hello

I have a cilling where after the wallpaper has been removed, what was lef is thin layer either paint or some form of glue. I have tried different products to remove it, like home DIY stuf( warm water with vinegar and washing liquid), paint stripper, wallpaper remover solution, with very little result.
I have attched a photo of that.
Any ideas/recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[JohnD]

How old is the house?

D--t--p-r

 

[John1980]

Build in 1930s.

 

[JohnD]

I think your ceiling is painted with distemper. It is a sort of whitewash made of ground chalk and bound with glue made of boiled up horses hooves. It will dissolve in boiling water but not in warm.

I am probably one of very few people on here who has not only cleaned it off, but also mixed and applied it. When treated with hot water, it has a distinctive and unpleasant odour.

It is a very difficult surface to redecorate.

It is possible to scrub it off walls with a stiff brush and constant kettles of water, this will not work on a ceiling.

At this age, the ceiling may well be cracked and sagging L&P, so you might consider pulling it down and having
it replastered

 

[John1980]

John, thank you for your replay. I was trying to avoid that as the plaster underneath is good.
Will sanding work?

 

[JohnD]

I tried it once. No.

I did manage to repaper it though.

 

[Koolpc]

You could overboard it...