skim coat before painting this hallway???

Question

We are moving into a new house next week but the problem is the top half of the hallway is faux (sp.?) painted teal and pink....clearly not the color we desire in the hallway. Fortunately the bottom is simply one color separated by chairrail molding.

Anyway, the surface is textured due to the paint style and I have been told you cannot simply paint over it becaue it won't come out good. Does this sound like a situation where a "skim coat" would be helpful? Any other ideas, or product recommendations?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Let's see if I got this right: The whole wall is textured, and its painted an ugly color, you don't want the color or the texture.

A skim coat is a layer of drywall mud over the entire wall to smooth it out. If the texture is solid, and won't scrape off with some pressure applied to it, then skim coating is the way to go if you want a smooth wall. Paint on thinned-out drywall compound with a roller, then smooth it out with a 10 or 12in drywall knife. Then prime and paint whatever color your heart desires.

Answer 2

I'd try painting, unless there is something about the paint that won't let new paint adhere. Skim coating is easy, but do you really care a lot what the texture of your hallway ceiling is? (As long as it is subtle, not "popcorn!) If you do paint, use a good primer. If you are worried about color bleeding through or you've tried a stainblocker and it didn't work, try a shellac based primer. "Bin" is one manufacturer. I've never had anything come through it. (But it has nasty fumes)
If you really want it smooth, then skim coating and sanding a ceiling would be a lot of work. Skim coating with a random texture is easy though.

Answer 3

If the walls were never painted then you should prime first,if you do repairs then prime those.As long as there is no smoke, water damage and the walls have a coat of paint it should be fine, use a quality paint.

Answer 4

yes u need to skim coat the upper half of the wall.......this is the only good way to get a smooth finish......remove the chair rail if u can and then skim......

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 5

REPAINT EVEN IF IT TAKES 2 COATS, SKIM COATING MEANS SANDING THEN MAYBE TEXTURE, DUST, CLOGGED AIR FILTERS. I DONT KNOW WHY PAINT WONT ADHERE, AND IT WONT WHATS TO SAY A SKIN COAT WILL?