Plaster Coming Off The Wall With The Wallpaper

What's happening?

Homebuilding says one of the most common causes of plaster damage is stripping wallpaper, which can leave a wall that looks as if it has been peppered with bullets, and that in that case it is better to call in a plasterer to skim over the whole wall, unless you plan to paper over it. Wickes warns that excessive steam on a plasterboard wall can soften the plaster, so it may be better to scrape by hand. The paper and its paste were keeping loose or poorly bonded plaster on the wall, and stripping removes that support. Small patches can be repaired: Homebuilding's method is to remove loose chunks, vacuum out the dust, brush on a PVA mix so the new plaster bonds, and apply a thin coat of plaster of about 2 to 3 mm.

What usually causes it?

• Plaster that was poorly bonded to the wall behind the paper
• Steam or water soaking into the plaster and softening it
• Paper that was painted or vinyl, so it had to be forced off
• Old, thin or friable plaster
• Several layers of paper pulling off together
• Damp in the wall weakening the plaster

Is it dangerous?

No. A wall that keeps shedding plaster, or is damp, should be checked, because the cause may be moisture.

Can I fix it myself?

Stop steaming and remove only the loose material. Homebuilding's method for a small patch is to take out loose chunks, vacuum the dust, brush on a PVA mix and apply a thin coat of plaster, about 2 to 3 mm. Wickes says to scrape plasterboard walls by hand if steam is softening them. If the damage is widespread, a plasterer will skim the whole wall unless you intend to paper over it. Let the wall dry fully before decorating.

When should you call a plasterer?

Call a plasterer if the damage covers much of the wall, if plaster keeps coming away, if the wall is damp, or if you want a smooth painted finish. Call a damp specialist if the wall is wet.

What will the plasterer actually do?

• Check how far the damage extends and tap the wall for loose plaster
• Remove loose plaster back to a sound edge
• Prime the wall and patch small areas with a thin coat of plaster
• Skim the whole wall where it is damaged over a wide area
• Leave the wall to dry before it is painted or papered

Who fixes this

• Skimming and re-skimming
• Plasterboard and dry lining

Questions people ask

Sources & References

1. Homebuilding: how to patch plaster
2. Wickes: how to use a wallpaper steamer