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How to skim coat a textured wall?

Hello friends,

I want to skim coat the untiled part of my bathroom walls and ceiling before painting because the existing finish is textured (wall on right in photo) and I want a regular smooth wall. It has been painted with a glossy finish. I don’t want to sand the existing wall/paint because it could contain asbestos or lead. Can I skim coat with joint compound straight onto the wall? do I need to prime? Is there a product I can use that will roll on?

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EricL

Hello @crisis

I'm aware that you are not keen on having a test done, but I suggest having an asbestos and lead test done because if it does contain asbestos or lead, you'll need the services of an asbestos specialist who can seal the surface properly. It can't be done as a D.I.Y process, you'll need to inform the asbestos specialist that you plan on skim coating the surface, the specialist will take this into account as they seal the surface.

However, if the test result is negative for both asbestos and lead, you can continue your renovations plans.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

crisis

Thanks Eric,

If I have to test I will but I am confused. Can you explain why I need to test before skim coating but not if I was just going to repaint the existing surface? I didn’t think I had to disturb the existing surface to skim coat?
thanks

EricL

Hello @crisis

I'm only suggesting it for health and safety. Generally speaking, if the surface has asbestos on it, it is strongly recommended that you hire a licensed asbestos professional due to the severe health risks involved. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres. I also can't predict the level of safety your current wall paint has. It may appear safe to you, but if the surface is disturbed it could release small asbestos fibres into the air. Plus, if the surface has to be sealed you'll still need the services of an asbestos professional.

The only time you can continue your painting or plastering is if the test is negative. If there is no asbestos, you can continue working on your renovation.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

crisis

Thanks Eric,

I ended up dropping off a sample for testing yesterday and results have just come back - no lead or asbestos present. What products would you suggest for skim coating to smooth out the wall and ceiling prior to painting? Can I use joint compound? Is there anything I can roll on to make the ceiling easier? Any advice or tips appreciated.

EricL

Hello @crisis

Now that you have confirmed that the walls don't have any asbestos on them, I suggest scrapping or sanding the surface to remove the high gloss finish on the surface. This will allow you to put on a skim coat such as the Gyprock CSR 15kg Easy Flow All Purpose Compound. In regards to your ceiling I suggest using CSR Gyprock 15kg Ultra-Top Topping Compound as it dries faster.

However, I suggest examining your ceiling carefully to see if it just needs to be nailed or screwed securely. If so, then only the joints, cracks or damages need to be plastered, and you do not need to plaster the entire ceiling. The ordinary CSR 420gm Gyprock DIY One Patch Filler will work just fine.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

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