Wall preparation
Checking an old wall: will the surface hold?
New paint is only as good as the surface beneath it. On older walls with several layers of paint, woodchip or unknown coatings, a quick check before filling and painting is worth it. It shows what preparation is needed and can help prevent adhesion problems later.
Simple tests that say a lot
Professionals check a surface with a few simple tests. They show whether the wall is firm, sound and evenly absorbent.
- Wipe test: if paint comes off on your hand, the coating is chalking.
- Scratch test: if the plaster scratches off easily, it is not firm.
- Tape test: if paint comes away with the tape, it is not adhering well.
- Water test: if water soaks in at once, the wall is highly absorbent.
Typical problems with old walls
Distemper, which used to be common on ceilings, is water-soluble. New emulsion paint does not adhere well to it and can flake off. The distemper is therefore removed before a new coating is built up.
Woodchip that has been painted over many times loses its texture and can come loose at the seams. Here it is often better to remove the paper and build the wall up again.
The right preparation
Chalky surfaces are first cleaned and unsound layers removed. Then a primer suited to the substrate is applied: it binds remaining loose particles and evens out absorbency so that filler and paint dry evenly.
Plaster that sounds hollow is knocked off and replastered or filled. Only on a firm, even surface is further work worthwhile.
Related service
Wall filling & preparation in Riesa
Would you rather have it done for you? We carry out the work in Riesa and the surrounding area. Send us a few photos and your preferred date, and you will receive a quote.