Repainted/regrouted our tiny bathroom when we moved in (1 year ago). Used BIN for base coat over existing paint job – thinking it would help w/mold etc. Bathroom walls are plaster, and room has one small window in shower but no exaust fan. Over the past year the walls throughout have cracked & peeled to the first treatment over original plaster (in some places). Now we’re debating what to do. Peel off all old paint & try to re-plaster, cover w/greenboard and start again. Humidity and venting seem to be problems (towels/mats take ages to dry etc). Looking for suggestions on dealing w/walls (plaster over plaster/exhisting paint; greenboard over plaster/existing paint). thanks
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Hey--my suggestions is to clean it out down to the studs, and put in your MR board.
Course, you probly didn't want to hear that........
I did do a bathroom last year, and i was to lazy to tear out the plaster, so I green boarded over it.........turned out alright
If you do that, just make sure you use longer screws (i used 3") and hit all studs (studfinder) Mud and tape, and calk the trim up good
The only downfall of this approach is that you'll have to do some modifying to your window/ door jambs
Thanks. You're right - not what I want to hear but I think it's true. Such a big job! Mulling it over. Take care. Seth
If you tear it down to the studs you can inspect for water damage, install proper insulation and vapor barrier, and get a nice, smooth drywall surface. You can move wall switches and outlets and wire for a fan, too. If you like the plaster feel you can have the drywall skim coated if there is someone in your area that knows how.
I've had excellent results painting bathrooms with Zinsser Mildew Proof Bathroom Paint. It's self priming, really easy to clean, and produces a beautiful smooth finish. It can be tinted (pay attention to the directions).
You will continue to have problems unless you vent the bathroom. You need to at least crack the window while showering. I'm and old house nerd, so my vote is to scrape paint and skim coat the plaster.
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