Should I remove old skim coat before repainting?

[Mel_Hunts]

Hi brains trusts, long term stalker first time poster. I would love some advice on getting this wall ready for painting. 

By way of background these walls are brick rendered and paint had been flaking in small locations exposing the white filler. Instead of sanding the wall I made a call to scrape the paint off. I did this as I was concerned that the paint would continue to flake and would have to strip it back at a later time. I'm thinking original painting was likely done by an enthusiastic amateur (much like myself) without adequate prep as paint has also been flaking in many areas over the internal render where there is no filler.

My thoughts are that I will need to scrape back all the white filler (using a dust mask) and make a huge mess. Then, assuming the filler was used to cover an uneven surface, apply a skim coat, sand then seal the skim coat and then paint. 

Before I commit to hours of vacuuming I wanted to check this was the right approach or if there's other recommendations? Bonus points for tips on how to remove the filler as quickly and cleanly as possible. 

Close up of paint, filler and the rendered wall.. The wall in question. To the right is a wall without filler that paint has been scraped from.

[EricL]

Hello @Mel_Hunts 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about removing the old skim coat.

Since you have already made a start and it appears that the old skim coat is deteriorating, I suggest starting fresh and removing all of it. Before you begin, I suggest cleaning the floor as best as possible and laying down Builders Edge Temporary Floor Protection and covering it with Paint Partner 2.6 x 3.6m Plastic Backed Canvas Drop Sheet. This will catch all the dirt and debris coming from your walls. I suggest using either a Josco 125mm Twistknot Wire Wheel Brush, Josco 100mm Twistknot Bevel Brush or a Josco 75mm Stainless Steel Twistknot Wire Cup Brush Wheel. These can easily strip the paint and filler in combination with a grinding tool.

I suggest wearing Pro-Val Hazguard MP5 Disposable Coverall - Size Large in combination with 3M Medium Paint Project Reusable Half Facepiece Respirator. By covering the floor and using personal protection equipment you and the floor will be protected from all the dust and debris that will be generated by the stripping tool. You can also isolate the room by placing plastic drop sheets at the entrance of the room.

If you have any other questiosn we canhelp with, please let us know.

Eric

[Mel_Hunts]

Thank you for this quick response Eric, greatly appreciated. The wheel brush looks like it will be a game changer. I was considering using a hand held metal brush. You've saved me hours if not days and also my sanity.

[EricL]

Hello @Mel_Hunts 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the wall ready for a fresh layer of skim coat.

Eric