Do skimmed ceilings leave bubbles?

[NickStone]

I've just had a plasterer in to quote for smooth-skimming some ceilings that have been covered in Sandtex ('Sham-tex', as he called it, rather appropriately, I thought.)

Now I'm a bit worried because he said it's impossible to get a really smooth finish. Instead, you end up with bubbles which burst and leave holes. He reckoned it would be much better to cover over with new plasterboard. Unfortunately, I can't do this because the ceiling height is already a little low. I can't tear it down either because there are downlighters which I don't want to ruin. Without seeing the finished result, I just don't know if the skimming will be 'acceptable' or not. What do you think?

 

[spice]

I cant tell if they do, but I have painted loads of plastered ceilings over the years, and never heard of that one, I have painted plaster over plasterboard ceilings, plaster ontop of artex ceilings, and I have never seen any bubbles.

Perhaps a plasterer is the best person to tell you the answer.

 

[NickStone]

Perhaps a plasterer is the best person to tell you the answer.

Thanks, Spice. I just wanted a second opinion

 

[FredFlintstone]

Nick,

Well I thought Sandtex was an exterior masonry paint? Is that what it is? Is it like a paint filled with aggregate? So basically it's not a smooth surface, just not patterned like artex is?

If so, he's talking out of his poo chute!

He just doesn't want to have to put in the effort and is covering his back in case he cocks it up.

All he has to do is PVA up properly it and then lay the skim on, making sure the first coat fills all little recesses. Second coat laid on as normal. Possibly a third coat if he hasn't covered it up properly.

Get another plasterer in.

Regards

Fred

 

[NickStone]

Fred, thanks very much for that frank reply. Yes, you're right, it is the Sandtex stuff that's usually found on exterior walls. I'll get someone else in.