I live in a hundred-year-old house, and I've run into some issues with damp walls due to a porous brick chimney. We hired a plasterer to fix the wall, but I think he applied modern gypsum plaster over the old pink plaster. Now, the new plaster is bubbling and flaking off. What's the best way to remove this modern plaster without damaging the original pink plaster underneath?
2 Answers
You definitely want to take your time with this! Try using a scraper, and if necessary, a steamer can help soften the modern gypsum plaster. Once it’s softened, it should come off easier. Just make sure to test on a small area first to see how the old pink plaster holds up.
Honestly, removing the plaster won’t fix your underlying issue. The chimney is still likely causing moisture problems, which could be due to a bad liner, no cap, or even roof leaks. You should consider fixing those issues—like installing a chimney liner or repairing the roof—before focusing on the plaster.