How do i repair damage to the paper cover of gyprock / plasterboard.?

Question

We have just bought a house and wish to paint it. Unfortunately there are a number of areas where the paper cover of the plaster walls has been torn off, (probably by glue). The chalk is exposed and seems to powdery to paint.

Answer 1

its easy just get enough joint compound prep surface with a paint brush. brush loose plaster off .remove any peeling paper apply joint compound with a 6" taping knife,let dry and reapply another coat of joint compound let completely dry and sand using 500 grit paper until smooth.then get a damp sponge and wipe down real lightly to remove any sanding marks let dry and prime and paint

Answer 2

To repair the areas where the top layer of the gyprock paper has been removed, you will need some white shellac and regular gyprock topping compound. You should be able to get this from Bunnings/Mitre 10 etc. Paint the damaged area of the gyprock with the white shellac and let it dry. The shellac blocks water from penetrating into the base layers of gyprock paper. Without this protection, the water in the gyprock topping compound will often cause bubbles to form in this absorbent paper.

You will probably need to apply two or three thin layers of topping compound. Be sure to apply the compound about 6cm beyond the edge of the damaged area. This allows you to feather the patching compound and more easily disguise the repair. Once this compound has dried, sand it lightly. Prime this new compound with a primer/sealer before you paint or re-wallpaper over the gyprock