How Old Can Paint Be?

[Battlecry]

Guys

I have recently bought my first home (18 months ago) and in celebration I purchased 8 cans of 'Farrow & Ball' paint.

However, I have yet to start any decorating.

To my alarm a smart @rsed colleage thinks this is hillarious!

He believes that the paint - some of which is oil based, some of which is water based will now have gone off.

The paint was purchased in October 2007 and has been stored in a dry dark cupboard.

Is this guy winding me up - or have I been a plonker?

 

[Zampa]

I should be ok..the ol based definatey..altough it might want a good stir

The water based might have seperated a bit and need a stir..if however i smells like an old pond then yes, it has gone off...i reckon it will be ok though.

 

[Therms]

Providing the pots are airtight then you should be alright. Mould in the waterbase paint will be your enemy, but providing it’s done no more than separate then a good (and I mean good!) stir will sort it out.

The oil based paint should be fine. It’ll have separated, but a stir will bring that back to life.

I had an old tin of paint. I popped into my local paint supplier and asked them to stick it in their shaking machine, which they did.

All paint should be thoroughly stirred before use. Stirring isn't a quick wipe round with an old screwdriver, it’s a proper stir with a flat paddle.

 

[Battlecry]

Thanks guys.

I've got loads of that awful woodchip wallpaper all over the walls and ceilings.

It's so bad I feel sick every time I see it.

What's the best way of getting this off and do I need to buy a steamer?

 

[Zampa]

Hire one..the DIY one available in most stores are crap..youll be looking at spending a good 150 odd quid on a decent one...hire one and ask for a wallpaper perforator too

 

[Battlecry]

Thanks for sharing that....have already been on HSS Hire's website and will have the tools sorted for the bank holiday weekend.

I'm a bit worried bout the state of the ceiling. Will I need to replaster after taking the woodchip off

 

[JohnD]

woodchip is usually put on to hide an awful surface, so you can expect (at least) some filling and patching. I would say hack off any loose or damaged parts rather than spending ages trying to hide them.

Do any chases and boxes for electrical or plumbing at the same time. You will get the hang of it.

it is worth asking round for a recommended local plasterer and see what he will charge per room.

If you are filling and patching yourself, plaster is far cheaper than filler and easy to use, though it sets fairly soon. Use a float or large knife to press it as flat and level as you can without overfilling which will later have to be removed. A wide metal scraper is cleaner and easier than sanding off high spots, especially if you do it while it is still "cheesy" and not fully hard.

I like to apply a coat of thinned white matt emulsion after filling and patching, it will help you to see any irregularities that need more work, and also gives an even colour to redecorate onto that will not show patchily through your paper or paint.