Making walls good

[Jamesyboy]

Hi there everyone, im looking for some advice on making the walls good in my "cupboard in the wall"

this is my loft access and is inbetween the two bedrooms in my terraced house above my stairwell. i recently redid the loft hatch and i am looking to make the walls good so i can give it a paint.

im not wanting to spend a huge amount of money or time on the job as i hardly ever go in there.

is there something i can use to get this too a good finish without having to tear off plaster.

ive been looking online at things like gyproc easi-fill, toupret, paint on jointing compunds? will these suffice? and do i need to do any prep work prior? like sanding? and PVA bonding?

many thanks, some pics below

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[Tom d'Angler]

Personally, I would give it all a really good sand, hang lining paper (paste-the-wall paper would make that a lot easier), and then paint it with two coats of good quality emulsion.

[Jamesyboy]

Hi tom, thankyou for your reply and input really do appreciate it.

im not really a fan of lining paper and i feel there is that many imperfections in this wall it just wouldn't look good at all.

im wanting a nice smooth finish that i can paint.

if peoples opinions is that im trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear i will just have to save up and get a plasterer in to either skim coat or knock off the old plaster and put up plasterboard.

id just like to do the DIY version if possible but i didnt know if there was a product that was easier for the DIY'er to achieve this finish.

[Toria]

Some lining papers are designed specifically to cover uneven surfaces before painting - so the darker areas don't show through or flash.

There are videos on YouTube that show you how to prepare a wall. My favourite is the Painting and Decorating channel. Here you go:
https://youtu.be/BMyh_Tr9L6M
And
https://youtu.be/tRwS3K4ACZA

[Tom d'Angler]

Having the walls and ceiling replastered would give the best finish but would cost the most. Lining and then painting would give an acceptable finish and cost a lot less. It all depends on what level finish you want for what is, in your words, a "cupboard in the wall".

[Jamesyboy]

Thanks guys, I'm in total agreement that the best result would be plastered and I'm not apposed to being told to go this route, yes in short I am looking for a smooth plaster like finish if possible.

If not possible I will get a plasterer in at some point.

Would be interested to know if anyone has used Toupret or any similar decorators skim coat.

Thanks

[Bronco]

Hi James,
I use tourpret decorators skimcoat filler all the time.
Its easy to work with and easy to sand.
Not cheap and i dont use it on large areas. i use a 4 or 6 inch filling knife.
I would get a quote from a plasterer.

[Jamesyboy]

cheers bronco, you think looking at the walls there too far gone?

i have been watching some vids tonight from Toupret especially there joint, skim & fill range advertised as being:

Easy to sand
Ready to paint in 3 Hours
One coat
No need to spot prime
No Shrinkage, no depth limit

thanks for your input

[Bronco]

joint and skim £ 11.50 for 5 kg.
Had a read.
I have full confidence in you James, give it a go and let us know how you got on.

[Jamesyboy]

cheers for the vote of confidence bronco, i might very well do, i suppose at that price its nothing ventured nothing gained if it isnt upto the job it can get knocked off the the rest and get the pro's in. yeah there was a couple of different versions i saw including quick drying and ready mixed. thanks to all who contributed if anyones got anything more to add im all ears. i shall keep you all posted