Removing old paint

[bearpooch]

Anyone got any tips on removing emulsion from a plastered ceiling. I've removed all the loose stuff with a scrapper but now I'm left with the stuff that is sticking. The plaster underneath seems sound and I'm trying to use a steamer thing but it's taking ages... Any hot tips to make life easier? Am on a very tight time scale (and budget).

[dustypuss]

Try the old fashion way blow torch. But to be on the safe side elictric heat gun

[carrust]

First thing, DO NOT USE A BLOW TORCH...YOU COULD BURN THE B....DY HOUSE DOWN!!!. Why do you want to remove the sound paint.

[bearpooch]

The ceiling is being due to be re-plastered but the plasterer has said that the emulsion paint that's on there was put on to an unsealed ceiling and will cause a problem if not removed... I've borrowed a steamer but am in danger of giving myself 3rd degree burns as I'm working above my head and wobbling about on a step-ladder. A Health and Safety rep would have kittens!

[carrust]

Plasterers usually coat the surface with PVA, then skim with carlite thistle plaster. It seems strange that he wants the emulsion stripped-off. If it's loose then it's got to be removed.. is he an experienced tradesman?

[carrust]

cont...I'm a decorator & i've done quite a bit of plastering myself. I've also decorated many houses where the walls have been skimmed,& i've never seen the plasterers remove paint that has been 'sound'. That also includes walls that have had distemper paint on them.As i've said before, all the surface needs is a coat of PVA.

[bearpooch]

I think the thing is that the paint is not really that sound..it hasn't really stuck to the ceiling properly. The ceiling (and walls) were wall-papered (not ideal in the bathroom) and was starting to come away. When I stripped it off a lot of the paint came with it but not all. I think his concern is that what's left will prevent the plaster adhering properly. He comes highly recommended and seems to be very good. He did a room for me a couple of years ago which looks fanastic. He's very thorough and is trying to save me money by letting me do as much prep as I can. I've only got a bit left to remove but I'm fed up with it now...Seems like I've been stripping and scrapping for years!!