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kimberly_ussher

Why is original plaster difficult to paint?

SaintPFLA
15 years ago

I'm hoping some of you have this answer. After removing many layers of painted wallpaper, I've finally hit the original plastered walls.

The original plaster in my kitchen is a very, very smooth substance. Modern paint won't adhere. The 'original' paint shows through, but I've had to skim coat it so I can prime and then paint.

I'm sure I've violated some historic plaster commandment....'thou shalt not skim coat original plaster walls...'. But, I don't know what else to do.

It's too late now as it's done, but this is only one room and I can mend my ways for the next room.

Picture is below to help clarify.

The chunks are wallpaper remains on the blue paint

(probably from 1974)...the green guessing 1940?...the yellow original 1920 and in the center the 'beige' is the original plaster.

Thanks for any help!

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