Skim Plastering.

[Flintstone]

I'm going to have to patch a few areas which popped when I was steaming the wallpaper off (never had this problem before). Most are small, about the size of your hand with one or two being larger at about 18"x6" so the surrounding plaster should serve to keep the new skim level. I know about dampening the wall but any other tips? Someone suggested I use coving adhesive instead as it's easy to sand down afterward, sounds a bitwhacky to me (I'm not going to by the way).

[mk1fan]

If it's only isolated patches and not a huge amount of total area then I suggest Wickes Patching Plaster. It comes in a tub ready mixed, easy to apply and gives a good finish - I'm not claiming it's as good as finish plaster.

You don't need to mix it up and it keeps for ages - I've used a tub over 12-months. Very easy to sand too.

B&Q and Homebase sell similar stuff (and it's probably the same just in different tubs). I've used the B&Q stuff a few years ago and it was just as good.

If you've got loads of patches then I'd recommend getting a bag of proper finish plaster and mix it up as you need it. However, storing the bag afterwards might be an issue for you.

Wetting down the wall before patching is fine, alternatively you could do a couple of coats of PVA water mix (50/50) before patching. Allow the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat. When this second coat is tacky then apply the plaster.

Get a proper sized float to apply it and keep it [the float] damp whilst plastering.

Don't worry about getting the plaster perfectly flat and flush when its wet. Get it on the wall and the patches fully filled.

Allow the patches to cure for a few hours (if the surface is firm but the plaster has some give/soft) and then wet trowel them to get then smooth and flat.

Edited by mk1fan on Friday 5th November 12:11

[mgtony]

Or Wickes internal filler;

http://www.wickes.co.uk/All-Purpose-Interior-Fille...

Goes on like plaster,ideal for areas the sort of size you are doing, and easy to sand.

[s3fella]

Or even joint compound if it is shallow fills, but deeper than say 8 mill and it can shrink and need two applications. piece of piss to sand though!

[Flintstone]

Lovely stuff, thanks folks. I've half a bag of finishing plaster here somewhere but it'll have set like a rock by now. Off to the shops this weekend.

[Globulator]

Warm water Artex is the world's finest filler, warm it in a pan as you mix for total smoothness, very spreadable down to very thin, easy to sand afterwards.