Decorating questions new build (4 years old )

[howy1]

Hi all , I have been in a new build house for four years the walls are white emulsion and I would just like to fresh them up , can I just emulsion straight onto walls without any type of prep work ? the other question is regarding a few hairline cracks mainly over windows where there seems to have been infills of plasterboard cut ie above bathroom and toilet windows , I doubt if the cracks are 1 mm wide but you can see them what are the best products for filling please .
regards
Howy .

 

[howy1]

oh well DIY NOT LOL

 

[plastic_peanut]

Yep, it’s a strange old forum this. Some threads get attention and others ( namely mine) don’t.

Yes, I would paint straight on but you could use a sugar soap solution to clean the surface.

Would then look at a flexible filler or caulk depending on the severity of the cracks. Let it dry, use a sanding block and then paint

 

[RoscoM]

Unless there's been anything untoward on the walls that would need a stain blocker etc, just give them a wipe down and paint straight over.

If the small cracks are in corners I normally use caulk and filler if they are on a flat surface.

 

[howy1]

Thank you Ross and pp , can you recommend a caulk and filler please , sorry to be detailed .
Yes will wash with sugar soap .
Regards
Howy

 

[RoscoM]

I normally use gyproc easyfill and whatever caulk is on offer next to the counter at Screwfix!

 

[opps]

Don't use caulk over plasterboard cracks. It will leave a ridge unless you wipe it back so much that that you end up wiping it away.

Try PVA wood glue and a soft filler once the glue has dried. The cracks may reappear though. If they do post back.

It is fine to paint directly over sound/clean emulsion with emulsion.

 

[howy1]

Thanks opps , that sounds a good idea for fine cracks like mine as the walls are not plastered just emulsioned over plasterboard , are the ready mixed soft fillers ok .
Howy

 

[opps]

I'd recommend the use of the lightweight soft fillers (as mentioned Redlite or RedDevil). They feel more like a very fine polystyrene as apposed to a rigid cement/plaster like filler and are slightly more flexible.