Hi there,

I watch UK Style all of the time - just can't get enough of it - expecially Changing Rooms - so this is a question for the ONE and ONLY Handy Andy !!

I am in the process of fully re-furbishing my bathroom. We are having it tiled from floor to ceiling and have succeeded in getting all the tiles off the floor and walls (now the old adhesive is another story - but we're getting there) - but my problem lies on the walls - they were only tiled half way up and therefore have emulsion on the other half - our tiler has told us that we need to deeply score the wall in preparation for the new tiles - but I don't know how to do this properly. There is NO WAY the paint is going to come off the walls as its not flaking anywhere. Our walls are also not smooth plastered but 'pimply' if you know what I mean. Is there any product I can paint on the walls (without taking the paint off) so that the tiles will stick properly, or if not - can you PLEASE tell me the best, easiest and quickest way to get that horrible green paint off !!!!!

HELP !!


Thanks,

Áine

Hi Áine,

I am sorry that I am no Handy Andy but depite what your tiler says you do not need to score the paint... what you need is to key the surface to accept the adhesive used to hold the tiles in place... yes you can score the paint - done with a sharp stanly knife diagonally cut across the walls first one way and then the other - about one inch apart...

or - you can paint the whole surface with ESP (Easy Surface Preparation) or with a solution of 50 % UPVA glue mixed 50% with water.

Angela

P.S. Sorry to dash your hopes about getting a reply here from Handy Andy but thought that you would appreciate hearing from someone who knew the answer.

I was thinking about it & for goodness sake, why didnt your tiler give you a demo of scoring the walls. He would be the one person who actually knows what results he will desire to the the best job. Any how, Angela's got it down pat - she's a gem that Girl! So good luck, be not afraid Oh, fellow renovator & have fun.

Hi Hedera,

I need to get a modern loft hatch fitted with a good solid wooden ladder - which can take some weight... I was told, by the previous owners, that the loft is fully insulated and boarded out... trouble is I cannot get up there and I would love to do a good clear out of the house and put some items into storage up there...

I am not up to doing the job myself - is it worth trying to get hold of a builder or would handy man be better?.

Angela

Angela & Hedera,

Thank you both SO much for your words of wisdom !! Its great to get advice from someone who knows what they're talking about and who will actually take the time to explain how to do it properly !! You've both been a GREAT help !!

Áine

Hi Aine,

You are most welcome... you will find we are a very friendly lot on the boards... so stick with it and see if there is a question you can advise on... no one will shoot you down...

I must say that UPVa glue is a wonderful thing and can be used in so many ways it is a DIYers dream... I use it a lot with my mosaic projects... diluted to seal the boards, frames or even terracotta that I am working on and then neat to stick the tiles, china, glass beads etc to that...

I can also be used to seal in stains which keep coming through paintwork etc...

But in your case I cannot understand why your tiler didn't do the job himself... you are paying him to do the work aren't you - or is you doing some of it to save money?.

Angela

hiya angie! (and all!!) im back on the web after a few months without, and i am slowly catchin up with the posts!!

anyway, i would say a handyman would be better, and most likely cheaper!! do you only want him/her to do the ladder? or that and help shuffle stuff up there after? i am thinking if you go to a shop for the ladder that does fitting as well, you would only then need a family friend/neighbour you know and trust to put the stuff up in the attic after you have sorted all your goodies out!!
what do you think? any help at all?!!
Riah