First post on this eminent forum, so I apologize if I've placed it incorrectly/formulated it incorrectly. We have a room in the basement of our house from -44 that will now become a gym. The problem is that when I took down the panel, the plaster in some places, mostly near the floor, has come loose and feels very "sandy" where it has fallen off. The walls are not exterior walls. My question is what I should do to get a nice/good surface to paint on. Ideally, I would use plasterboard, but I'm unsure how suitable it is to mount it against a basement wall, and I would prefer not to frame it since all floor space is needed. Is it possible to glue the plasterboard? Many questions as mentioned, but I hope for a good answer. Sincerely, Victor
Hi! Quickest and easiest method to apply new plaster, but depending on how thick it is and how large the damages are, it might be enough to apply plaster filler or rough filler. Plastering over the damages requires some skill, otherwise you can plaster a bit shallower than the damage itself and then apply regular filler when it’s dry. Then it's just a matter of painting the wall. Gluing plaster panels is possible but risky and also takes time, plus you need to fill the seams and then paint... In this way, you probably save many hours instead of re-framing the walls.
If it's loose, you might have to knock everything loose, and that's not a fun job.
Plaster type gypsum is not optimal in basements. It's better to use a regular cement-based plaster (or whatever it's called). Gluing up gypsum is also not a good idea, even if it's not an exterior wall, there is a risk that the wall is damp.
I believe in plastering with the right materials and then painting, or framing with metal studs and then using gypsum (or another board) and letting the wall be ventilated.
I believe in plastering with the right materials and then painting, or framing with metal studs and then using gypsum (or another board) and letting the wall be ventilated.
What type of filler should be used for minor render detachment and cracks? Coarse filler was mentioned, what is that? And what is it based on? Can you fill with husfix?
If there have been salt deposits, is it just to brush away and paint over?
And what can be done on the concrete floor if there are small holes and irregularities?
Prime and then what?
What kind of paint should be used on the floor? Must it also be breathable?
Hope you don't mind me borrowing the thread a bit, Mr. 1817
If there have been salt deposits, is it just to brush away and paint over?
And what can be done on the concrete floor if there are small holes and irregularities?
Prime and then what?
What kind of paint should be used on the floor? Must it also be breathable?
Hope you don't mind me borrowing the thread a bit, Mr. 1817
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It is possible to paint floors, there are special paints for this. However, problems with moisture can arise depending on how well-drained your foundation is, what kind of ground it is, etc. Tiles without a waterproof membrane allow the concrete to breathe, at least. Tiles are much more durable as well. But it's a matter of taste. If you want color, do a search inside the paint forum and you’ll surely get a lot of suggestions 
Husfix is good to use for cracks, etc., or some other cement-based product; larger cracks and peeling I would probably plaster over with, for example, plaster mortar C.
I actually don't know what can be done about salt efflorescence.
Husfix is good to use for cracks, etc., or some other cement-based product; larger cracks and peeling I would probably plaster over with, for example, plaster mortar C.
I actually don't know what can be done about salt efflorescence.
Thank you for the response, the house was drained last year so it should be OK, I'm actually a bit against tiles since the grout gets so dirty, a basement should withstand a bit of rough handling and allow you to walk in with shoes without worrying about cleaning difficulties.