Flaky Paint On Ceiling

[nx30]

I have recently noticed some of the paint on the ceiling in my bathroom flaking away from the ceiling itself. Suspecting a damp problem, I scraped away the loose paint and revealed the bare plaster. The plaster itself shows no signs of mould, and a quick test with a Protimeter revealed the plaster was dry . After contactin the previuos owner, he said it happened often. I am about to redecorate and do not wish it to happen again. Has anyone got any ideas to help. Please.

 

[confidentincompetent]

Is it a newish type property? Possibly a result of pva being applied to bare plaster then a thick coat of emulsion. Result years later the pva fails when wet( Bathroom steam) and emulsion starts to flake. Or the first coat on virgin plaster was too thick and is just laying ontop of plaster.

The correct method for emulsioning bare plaster is to mist coat ( a very thin coat of emulsion this allows the emulsion to soak into plaster) followed by one/ two coats of a more round coat of emulsion.
Try scraping to sound emulsion, spot prime bare areas with thin emulsion then coat overhaul. You might find the rest bubbles when you paint but if you want to leave it alone it will normally go back. the correct way of course is to get ot off
good luck
john.