Need to re-decorate my house, what is the best option wallpaper or plastering the walls?

Answer 1

Very tricky question. I am presuming that you have plasterboard walls. Cheapest way of doing this would be to paper the walls prior to painting. If money is not an issue then the best in my opinion is a thin skim of plaster. It gives a more even finish and closes/fills holes. The other consideration is after a while paper will start to peel off so will need maintenance periodically. Where as plastering is more of a permanent fix and a blank canvas.

Answer 2

Hmm... it all depends on the look you want. Plaster can be really neat if you want an aged look or if you want a stucco-type look (depending on the amount of texture you use while plastering) and wallpaper can give basically any look you want whether that's Victorian, kiddie, old-fashioned, modern, whatever. It all depends on the type you get. If you decide to use plaster, be extra careful. It can crack if the first coat is too thick and also be sure not to paint directly onto the plaster. You need some sort of primer or something first. Good luck in re-decorating! I know how fun it can be! : )

Answer 3

It rather depends on the state of your walls and the age of your house. We live in a Vicorian terrace and the lime plaster is pretty saggy in places. So, bit by bit we are replastering, BUT we are using Lime Plaster NOT gypsum.

Don't skim lime plaster walls with modern gypsum plaster as it will not stick for long and it will stop the wall "breathing" - in other words it will stop moisture escaping naturally through the breathable lime plaster and can lead to damp problems in the future.

If your walls are ropey but you don't want to go to the expense of re-plastering, then try using lining paper on the walls and then painting it or papering. Again, remember that you need breathable paint to allow moisture to escape.

Take a look at breathable paints at places like http://www.ecomerchant.co.uk

Answer 4

I agree thearloff do both but do the wallpaper first then get plastered never get plastered and then wallpaper. I have tried that in the past and it was a mess.

Answer 5

clean up the old paper tying to remove as well as you can any loose edges or pieces. Put a couple of coats of wall size over the old paper then apply new paper. You also can rent a steamer to try to remove the old paper. If this is a tottally new installation I would go with a good quality wall paper there are some really sharp looking wallpapers out there.

Answer 6

I would go for plastering and then painting. This is much easier in the long run. You can just paint over any colour any time you want. A lot easier than wall paper and cheaper. Also I find it much easier to keep clean. Just go over with cloth.

Answer 7

Depends on your budget and the state of the walls. Plastering is good as it can even out surfaces and will last forever, but can be costly. papering is ok but can lift. You need to bear inmind that new plaster once dried will settle and get small hairline cracks in it.

Answer 8

Do both. Only the walls get wallpapered and you get plastered

Answer 9

HEY IT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU ARE GOING FOR BASICALLY I REALLY DONT LIKE WALLPAPER BUT YOU SEE ITS MORE FLEXIBLE THAN PLASTERING SO ITS UP TO YOU BUT I WOULD GO FOR THE PLASTERIN BUT IF IN THE FUTURE YOU WANNA CHANGE ITS GONNA COST MORE AND TAKE A LOT MORE TIME TO CHANGE THAN THE WALL PAPER

Answer 10

i have just had mine all plastered and painted and its so much easier than wall paper especially with silk paint you can just wipe it down. there are loads of lovely colours out as well B&Q have a great range