Repairing Plaster before Wallpapering - Need Advice

[RK_London]

Hi everyone. Removed old wallpaper from under window sill and had lumps of plaster fall out ( see pictures below). Is fixing the plaster a job a novice DIYer like myself can do or should I get in a professional?

 

[Mike13]

sort out a few blocks of wood at the right height to support radiator, loosen ens fittings, rotate rad 90 degrees so it is flat on blocks of wood prepared, retighten the rad fittings to stop leaks, then fill and paint/paper as required.

 

[RK_London]

Mike 13 - Good idea about the blocks and the radiator - thanks.

Any suggestions on filler I should use? Easy Fill 60?

 

[opps]

I have tilted rads before, but it is often easier to remove them, rather than trying to work around them.

Apropos filler, as a decorator, I would rather use Toupret powder filler. Easifill is incredibly soft. I would recommend brushing some PVA in first to lock the grit and plaster in place. Let it dry though.

 

[RK_London]

Opps - thanks. Will go for Toupret Powder filler. Do I also apply mist coat/pva after I have applied plaster before I wallpaper?

 

[opps]

Opps - thanks. Will go for Toupret Powder filler. Do I also apply mist coat/pva after I have applied plaster before I wallpaper?

No need for primer. Just apply size as you would to the rest of the existing plaster.

 

[securespark]

Just to add my twopennorth ...

I have been doing redec recently. It's much easier to remove the rads altogether if you can. I struggled with one at 90 degrees then saw red and got rid of it.

Regarding the plaster, lots of ours (1960 house) had to come off altogether, as it was friable. A quick tap around the area revealed very hollow sounds.

Upon removal, the lumps of plaster would very easily turn to powder. Not like today's bonding at all.

We did initially try to patch it all together, but it was a bit of a hopeless task.