What should I paint a horse hair wall with?

Question

There was a leak in the bathroom over our living room, so the wallpaper is coming off the walls. Underneath the wallpaper is a gross horsehair wall, which seems impossible to paint conisdering it's consistency. It's a very old house and I'm afraid that wallpapering may be the only option to go with. HELP!

Answer 1

You can use a paint roller.  You'll see when you're out shopping that there are special rollers for textured surfaces - they essentially have a thicker nap than the regular ones.

The only issue is that you'll need to really slather on the paint... a couple times at least.

If the room is large, and you don't want to deal with rolling paint or, even worse, wallpapering, rent a paint sprayer from your local paint shop or hardware store... usually between $50 - $100 per day.  You can spray the latex paint you would've otherwise rolled on,  it will fill every crack, it's kind of fun, non-toxic, and you'll be done in a jiffy... (provided you cover the floors well and tape your edges.)

That's what I'd do.

Have fun.

Answer 2

A horse hair brush....

Sorry.  Couldn't help myself there.  

A China bristle works well, too.

Answer 3

If I was living there, and the damage was extensive, I'd pull down the old plaster and put sheetrock up over the old lath. If is a small spot, you might be able to trowel a thin layer of plaster or sheetrock mud over it, sand, prime and repaint or wallpaper. I am presuming there is something there other than just hair! maybe you need a stylist?