Removing oil-based paint and Tiling Prep

[Rebel1985]

Hi all,

I'm a complete DIY newbie trying to redecorate my bathroom.
I'm currently trying to remove the last layer of (oil-based?) paint from the walls to prepare for tiling, using chemical paint strippers (Bartoline and PaintPanther), followed by white spirit and sanding down. But it won't seem to shift!

1. Does anyone have any ideas on how to effectively remove this?
2. Or can I get away with leaving it, as is, and continue with the prep?

My next step is to repair any cracks/holes, especially those in the splashback area, where the old tiles have been removed. However, not having plastered before, this is looking like a daunting task.

3. Would I need to replaster the entire painted area too?

Any (detailed) advice would be much appreciated as this is driving me crazy...! TIA.

 

[DiyNutJob]

Have you considered leaving it as is? Looks to me like a master piece from the art gallery. I can see jungle and a deer, and bright sunny day outside.

Heat gun will soften paint to allow scraping off. Don't burn or char, or even bubble, just hot enough to be soft. You will mostly likely faint from the electricity bill. So, be prepared.

 

[Rebel1985]

Ha, thanks! A "masterpiece" that will soon be covered up by tiles - which I'm definitely using!

I have considered a heat gun, but loathe spending on more equipment (inevitable). May look into hiring one.
I would leave it, seeing as the white spirit has now "smudged" it into the walls. Just need a professional's opinion on whether this will be ok for tiling.

 

[JohnD]

A hot air gun will soften oil paint so you can scrape it off

But my crystal ball tells me that your house is quite old, and was originally painted with distemper. So you need to scrub it off with very hot (nearly boiling) water.

 

[Rebel1985]

Thanks, JohnD. Your crystal ball is indeed correct. The flat is late Victorian/Early Edwardian.

Will try the hot water method - I do have a steamer, so hopefully that will work.
If not, hot gun it is.