Painting over a few decades - advice
Discussion
Short answer is that we like it. It feels like quite a classic modernist style - which at the time it was probably trying to be. 70s ex-council with quite specific design style. The example in your link is a little bit more clumsy I think, but what we have has always seemed "right" for the house.
Long answer is that in a perfect world we'd rip it out and rebuild the whole staircase to be a much higher spec modernist style. Simple lines, no fuss, maybe a nice wood. But we don't have the cash to do that as we're saving prolifically to sort out the rest of the house, like the falling apart kitchen.
I don't like traditional style in the context of this house, and the aim has always been to be very simple throughout - flat surfaces, straight lines, no bevels, no grooves. We bought the house from someone who had tried to do "traditional" in this house and the reality is that it just made it look smaller. Lots of detail and grooves and cornicing just made the whole thing feel cramped. So simple and restrained is the way with this. I'd like someone to come in and think that the house is "as original", but "done right".
Long answer is that in a perfect world we'd rip it out and rebuild the whole staircase to be a much higher spec modernist style. Simple lines, no fuss, maybe a nice wood. But we don't have the cash to do that as we're saving prolifically to sort out the rest of the house, like the falling apart kitchen.
I don't like traditional style in the context of this house, and the aim has always been to be very simple throughout - flat surfaces, straight lines, no bevels, no grooves. We bought the house from someone who had tried to do "traditional" in this house and the reality is that it just made it look smaller. Lots of detail and grooves and cornicing just made the whole thing feel cramped. So simple and restrained is the way with this. I'd like someone to come in and think that the house is "as original", but "done right".
Simpo Two said:
I think if you just sand it there will always be a step between paint layers. So I think sand and then paper is the best bet for a smart finish.
+1Sand the worst bumps,Fill the worst holes and scratches, then Line with 1400 grade Lining Paper.
Paint over top of paper.
Will be best you can do.
For an absolute professional finish...Re-Skim
A little bit of advice - I'm going to caulk between woodwork and plaster now the mist coat is on. The walls will be a light grey-white colour, the woodwork painted a greyish colour, likely.
Do I use white caulk and then just decide where my paint line should be on it? Not transparent caulk?
TA.
Do I use white caulk and then just decide where my paint line should be on it? Not transparent caulk?
TA.
Well, I caulked, which was the most fun I've had with my pants on. Caulking is super satisfying.
And we've done the first coat of Diamond Trade, which is amazing paint. Really great coverage and lovely finish. Was definitely worth sanding the mist coat too, it's such a smooth finish. Needs a second coat though, it's a bit patchy in places.
My only last concern is that there are a couple of fairly significant trowel marks that I just didn't manage to fill. Does anyone think these are worth the struggle of trying to improve further? The rest of the plaster is amazing so these may drive me mad forever.
And we've done the first coat of Diamond Trade, which is amazing paint. Really great coverage and lovely finish. Was definitely worth sanding the mist coat too, it's such a smooth finish. Needs a second coat though, it's a bit patchy in places.
My only last concern is that there are a couple of fairly significant trowel marks that I just didn't manage to fill. Does anyone think these are worth the struggle of trying to improve further? The rest of the plaster is amazing so these may drive me mad forever.
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