Prep advice for wallpapering a newly skimmed ceiling

[byngo]

Hi,
Recently had our artexed ceiling skimmed over. (just over a week ago).

We would like to paper the ceiling but am not sure what preparation to do.
I see lots of advice for people wanting to paint new plaster but not wallpaper.

Should I mist coat with matt emulsion?
Size with wallpaper paste?
Use watered down PVA?

Thanks in advance

 

[TheDec]

Just size with a thinned solution of paste.

Dec

 

[Richard C]

If you’ve gone to the trouble & expense of having it plastered why on earth do you want to stick paper over it , is it a poor plastering job?

You need to leave it 10 - 14 days before doing anything, longer if the Artex pattern was a heavy one as the plaster will be thicker. Sizing is probably best but the decs will confirm; whatever you do don't put PVA on it, it'll cause you all sorts of grief!

 

[byngo]

If you’ve gone to the trouble & expense of having it plastered why on earth do you want to stick paper over it , is it a poor plastering job?

You need to leave it 10 - 14 days before doing anything, longer if the Artex pattern was a heavy one as the plaster will be thicker. Sizing is probably best but the decs will confirm; whatever you do don't put PVA on it, it'll cause you all sorts of grief!

Thanks for the advice both.

TBH, we hate artex, but I must admit, the embossed wallpaper my missus liked the look of looked similar to the classic artex pattern.
The artex was in good condition and the plastering is very good.

On the other hand, I kind of feel that looking up at a smooth painted ceiling sounds a bit cold and boring.
What if we did paint the ceiling, then decided to wallpaper after all???

I have another problem now though that your comment about PVA gave me.
We had one wall skimmed over as well at the same time.
I put a 5:1 watered down PVA on it when it looked dry the other day.
No ill effects as yet.
I think she wants the wall painted.
Can I, should I, do anything before I paint that wall???

 

[TheDec]

You should first using warm water and a broad edged scraper remove the PVA, then when dry seal with a thinned oil based undercoat. With regard to the ceiling if you are considering painting it at a later date first apply a mist coat.

Dec

 

[TheDec]

You should first using warm water and a broad edged scraper remove the PVA, then when dry seal with a thinned oil based undercoat. With regard to the ceiling if you are considering painting it at a later date first apply a mist coat prior to the size.

Dec

 

[Richard C]

I kind of feel that looking up at a smooth painted ceiling sounds a bit cold and boring.

Current fashion is for clean lines & coving free, square ceilings; textured finishes Artex or paper are definitely out!

What if we did paint the ceiling, then decided to wallpaper after all???

That wouldn’t be a problem; mist coat the ceiling first using ordinary matt white emulsion (cheap own brand will do), this 25-30% & apply 2/3 coats in quick succession. Leave to dry overnight before applying your chosen finish coats.

I put a 5:1 watered down PVA on it when it looked dry the other day.
No ill effects as yet.
I think she wants the wall painted.
Can I, should I, do anything before I paint that wall???

Oh dear, you have just made one hell of a mistake; PVA & paint do not mix & you won’t be able to paint over it successfully, the paint won’t stick or cover & will look awful. You need to remove it all or go over with a specialist primer.

Some light reading for you;
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=855153#855153
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=468227#468227
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1488592#1488592

 

[byngo]

You should first using warm water and a broad edged scraper remove the PVA, then when dry seal with a thinned oil based undercoat. With regard to the ceiling if you are considering painting it at a later date first apply a mist coat prior to the size.

Dec

Ok DEC thanks, what would you recommend for the thinned oil based undercoat?

Re the ceiling: - Its not so much a case of painting at a later date, but rather the possibility of painting first, then she don't like it and decides that she still wants it papered