Stains on newly plastered wall.

[soulstar11]

I've recently had 2 chimney breasts removed - one above the other. The builders have plastered and "made good" but there are irregular shaped stains left on the wall. I thought these may be wet sections and would eventually dry out, but it's now 2 months since they were done, and these stains remain the same size. It's a terraced house, so damp isn't getting there from outside - and the plaster doesn't seem to be "blown" around these marks. Does anyone have any ideas as to the cause of this, and if it would be safe to paint over? Thanks in advance.

[apricot]

It could well be resin if wood has been burned in the fires. You could try sealing the area with gloss paint and then paint over with emulsion. I had a similar problem in an old terraced house some years ago and that sorted the stains.

[Lindy Loo]

I agree, either that or soot. But undercoat is easier as you don't need to rub it down after. Worked well on water stains on my ceiling and other bits!!

[soulstar11]

Thank you both - not quite as worried now!