How to build in over interior painted brick wall?

[tthomas19]

Hi all,

We're planning to cover these painted interior brick walls with framing/gyprock to modernise our space. The brick was painted many years ago and we're trying to work out the best approach. Our main question: Should we strip the paint off the brick before installing vapour barrier, framing and gyprock, or is it fine to frame directly over the painted surface?

We've never noticed any dampness on the walls, but there is some peeling of paint (as pictured).
Of course, we're looking to do this properly to avoid any issues down the track.

Grateful for any advice on best practice, potential pitfalls to watch for, or if there's anything else we should consider before starting this project.

Thanks!

[JacobZ]

Hi @tthomas19,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

If there seems to be no existing issues with moisture, then there is no real need to strip back the wall or add a vapour barrier, as the wall is keeping moisture out as intended. Stripping the wall is more work for little to no benefit, and adding a vapour barrier would just trap any moisture that does occur. If you had concerns, you could always check the wall with a moisture meter, but I am not seeing anything that would indicate issues that you should worry about. If the peeling paint was due to moisture, you would expect to see bubbling and more widespread issues. I'd say the peeling paint is more likely due to poor preparation or installation than issues with moisture.

The best thing you can do is frame the wall so that there is space behind the framing, so any moisture that might occur will be able to drain away from the framing and dry. To achieve this, you can use furring channel, attached to the wall with Siniat 7.5mm Furring Channel Anchor Clips. The clips are anchored to the wall, and the furring channel is clipped into it, which creates the gap between the framing and the wall. You can then attach the plasterboard to the furring channel as you normally would.

Otherwise, you could use timber framing, with window packers placed at the anchoring points to keep the framing a consistent distance from the brick wall. By separating the framing from the wall, you don't have the direct contact that can cause moisture transfer. If you use a bottom plate that is in contact with the slab, then it should be protected with plascourse.

To summarise, the best thing you can do is separate the framing materials from direct contact with the brick. From your description, I doubt there are any moisture issues to worry about but keeping them separated will allow any moisture to dry without soaking into or damaging the framing.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1 and @Nailbag to see if they have any advice they can offer.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @tthomas19 

Following the advice already by @JacobZ that if your 100% on no moisture issues, I personally would be fixing the plasterboard directly to the brick wall. I would only consider using those furring channels he mentioned in order to plumb the wall. For a more modern finish I would square set and window openings.

Below is an example of plasterboard glued directly onto brick project for a study I did.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @tthomas19 

I really wouldnt worry about the paint or stripping it back You will be covering it and as long as that peeling paint area is dry then really there is nothing to worry about. The paint could be peeling for a whole range of reasons, right down to age plus the way the surface was before its been painted (it was a garage so oil is definently high on my list in some form)

I like the idea of false walls stepped away from the bricks, you may loose some space (tho not a lot) but you get that air gap to help any moisture escape.

Here are the links to when I fitted my garage out to become a libary. 

Garage lining for stud walls stage 1 

Garage lining for stud walls stage 2 (Cornice and skirting boards) 

I havnt had any water issues since I fixed some seepage through the brick wall (yeah there is a project for that as well ) The room has stayed nice and dry, the plaster is still looking good and teh parts that I glued to the wall are still solid (tho behind the bookcases to a fair degree)

I like the ability to run cabling behind the wall and it has come in handy since becaue of this.

Dave