I have recently purchased a two family, circa 1920, with well worn plaster walls. There is not a great deal of detail to preserve (largish baseboard and a strip of molding about a foot from the ceiling…not sure what that’s called. I’m looking for an economical but attractive solution to the condition of the walls. They also have lead paint, though not necessarily the top coat.

Do people recommend skim-coating? Thin drywall over the existing plaster? I don’t mind losing or replacing the upper molding, but would prefer to keep the baseboard, as it would be necessary and quite costly to replace that.

Any advice appreciated, including referrals from satisfied customers.


Comments

  1. Kate Taylor and her crew are amazing at skim-coating, if that’s the way you decide to go. She and her helper re-did fours rooms in our house and did an amazing job at helping us with paint color choices. She is very skilled at working in older homes and clearly has a lot of restoration expertise.

    I highly recommend her: katetaylorinteriors@gmail.com

  2. Call Martin at Inti Interior Finish (347-234-3597) , he’s an expert finisher and will answer all your questions even if you don’t hire him. Good guy. Tell him I recommended him.

    Allan

  3. What do you mean “well worn”?

    Both moldings should stay in place.

    If plaster is not cracking and paint is not peeling, you can just paint it.

    If there are a few cracks, then fix the cracks.

    If every surface is a mess, skim coat it.

    This just means applying a thin layer of plaster of paris combined with joint compound three times and sanding. You must prime over any plaster.

  4. Seal, mesh, skimcoat. The molding near the ceiling is likely the picture rail, which is easily replaced if you can’t re-use what’s there. Baseboard would stay in place. The plain plaster itself is worth preserving.