I am about to start painting a wallpapered bedroom. Too scared to take off the wall paper as I think the surface underneath may need re-plastering. What do you suggest? And why is pva glue mixed with emulsion? does it hold the plaster together??? (this sounds like a typical girlie question!)

Hi, you can actually paint over wallpaper, if it is still in good condition, and not peeling off. PVA allows the paint to adhere better and is also a good base for painting over. I believe it is in the new multi purpose primers, which are suitable for any surface. I think you can use it over damp patches too, so that the paint will adhere properly. Good luck with your painting! and hope you dont need to strip off all the wallpaper too!

Hi whome,

UPVA glue mixed 50/50 with water is a wonderful multipurpose sealant... and gives a key to a surface... therefore if you are worried that the surface of your paper will not take the paint then you can key it first...

I would recommend Crown one coat over any other, although it doesn't seem to go far it does cover up the pattern very well...

Angela

Hi,

Tip for the overlocker-shy: since PVA glue dries clear, it's also ideal for stopping the edges of fine fabrics fraying.

Anyone else know any alternative uses for PVA glue?

The UKTV Style team

Well as a mosaiker, I use upva firstly mixed 50/50 with water to seal the MDF or pine boards I use to make them waterproof and to give a key to the surface... I then use Waterproof UPVa to stick the tiles to the boards...

If anyone is interested in my first piece it can be viewed on www.zantium.co.uk - then follow the links to the Winter mosaic course, then other projects mine is the one in the middle at the bottom - the blue, grey black and white tiles - which is in fact a coffee table top...

But I agree that UPVa glue is the tops... but remember to use in a well ventilated room.

Angela

I was redecorating my living room and the plaster was coming away from the wall. Not being in a position to afford having it replastered. I hit on the idea of drilling a series of holes in the wall and using a icing syringe, I injected pva adhesive into the holes then plugged and screwed the plaster to the brick behind with the screws just below the level of the plaster. Then just fill over the screw heads and away you go. That was Ten years ago and the plaster is still on the wall.

Hi Bodger,

If it was up to me that would win a prize for the most inventive use of UPVa glue...

Angela