What type of wall material is this?

[alexh75]

We've moved into a new house which needs a fair bit of decorating. The previous owner has made a bit of a hash of painting the interior walls, so much so that I can scrape back the paint that's been applied to them. I've attached a couple of photos. When the paint is scraped back there's a pattern underneath, looks like a type of melamine? The wall panels are about 4 foot wide and spaced with what looks like metal joining strips.
Any idea what material this wall material is, and what I need to do to strip this off and repaint properly?
Many thanks
Alex

Untitled

• alexh75
• 9 May 2011
• 2

Untitled

• alexh75
• 9 May 2011
• 2

 

[misterhelpful]

When you say new house, what exactly do you mean by 'new'?

It's a bit difficult to tell from the picture, and I don't want to cause alarm, but the 'A' word springs to mind - Asbestos.

Hopefully it's just some form of fibreboard but I've certainly seen asbestos panelling joined in a similar fashion and the little weaved squares look similar.

Don't take my word for it, as trying to identify something from a picture is difficult. Best not to do too much scraping until you have determined exactly what it is.

I'm sure someone else here will put your mind at rest!

 

[alexh75]

Sorry, I should have clarified this. The house is new to us, but was originally built in 1972.
Alex

 

[misterhelpful]

Hmm, I did presume it wasn't a new build by the panelling but thought I'd better clarify.
As the property is some 40 years old it is possible that you have asbestos there, but I would have thought your survey would have picked up on it before you bought the house.
As said previously, it's best to confirm exactly what you have, and as I am no expert in asbestos, I would suggest asking in the Building Forum if someone there could tell you. Then, all being well, come back here for advice on the decorating side.
Sorry I can't be more certain.

 

[TheDec]

Alex.

You really need to determine what these boards are, I would doubt them to be asbestos but not knowing what they are means advice regarding the correct paint system impossible to offer.

Dec

 

[Robbie uk]

Just wondering if its something like Aquapanel like you put behind showers and the like. Maybe there was some damp originally.

 

[Paul-man]

How about posting the photos also in the building forum- they might be able to identify it?

 

[TheDec]

I think thats the best suggestion so far, got me stumped.

Dec

 

[misterhelpful]

I think thats the best suggestion so far, got me stumped.

Dec

Even though I suggested it this morning

 

[TheDec]

My apologies Mr H I really did'nt spot it.

Dec

 

[misterhelpful]

My apologies Mr H I really did'nt spot it.

Dec

Accepted

I was also considering the possibilty that it was some form of aquapanel but seems odd that it's not in a bath/shower/wetroom.

Agree it is a bit of a puzzler

 

[TheDec]

Thank you,

Well my thoughts so far lead to some form of laminate, yet still stumped.

Dec

 

[misterhelpful]

Just done a quick search and I'm now fairly confident it is some type of cement bonded particle board. Looked for a matching image but couldn't find one. There are countless different brands and types so it could be any one of them.

Bear in mind I did say 'fairly confident' so no guarantees!!

 

[Paul-man]

I think thats the best suggestion so far, got me stumped.

Dec

Even though I suggested it this morning

I missed it too MrH- sorry.

 

[misterhelpful]

No probs.