Painting patchy/bad quality surfaces

[rob4beer]

Guys,

I've stripped the wallpaper of the ceiling I am painting, but its really patchy, its got some bits stripped to plaster, some scratches, and general bad quality surface.
Ive sanded it and washed it but its still patchy, ive put one coat of emulsion on but it looks poop, how can I give it a lovely smooth finish? are these cover all paints worth a go or not?

Thanks in advance guys

Rob

 

[TheDec]

Rob

Before advice is offered would it be possible for you to post a pic, as a rule it is often the prep that is at fault.

Dec

 

[dcdec]

Probably needs lining as the condition is the reason it was papered in the first place. If you want to get a really nice ceiling best thing to do is get a plasterer to skim it for you