Backing coat and skim over artex wall

by Ian
(Staffordshire)

Hi paul in spare room knocked old wardrobe down in box room and there is big patches where is back to brick also a big timber beam supporting wall could this be plastered over as i need plaster whole wall or do i need put plasterboard over the timber then try patch up to existing plaster?
The same room also has like patterned walls which i want smooth could these be skimmed over? Many thanks ian

Answer
Hi Ian
As you say - the timber either needs to be covered with plasterboard or expanded metal lathing otherwise it will just crack and fall off. If you're using bonding coat then plasterboard will be good - if sand/cement then use metal lathing. When you come to skim entire wall put some scrim tape over the edges where it meets existing plaster to ensure it doesn't crack.

The textured walls can be skimmed over - once you've applied PVA to wall, make sure the 1st coat is thick enough to cover all highs - if not then once it has firmed up, flatten off and repeat the process so that the 2nd Coat is being applied to a reasonable flat and even surface.