Masonite on the wall

[Kristina J]

We have an old cottage on the property, built of wood from the 30s, which I want to renovate into a guest cottage. It seems that wallpapered masonite is directly on the wooden walls. The problem is that the masonite is bulging here and there. How should I deal with that? I can't wallpaper or paint without the masonite being secure. Should I nail with small tacks and fill over? Make small holes and try to inject some glue? Maybe nail up thin boards/lists with a few cm in between and then paint everything? Or what can I do? I also want to spend as little as possible at the moment, both in terms of money and labor.

 

[useless]

If the wall behind is flat, it's cheapest and fastest to nail where it bulges out. For a more serious approach, you can screw up gypsum board on top of the masonite. But even then, it might be a good idea to put some nails or screws in the worst bumps beforehand.

 

[Kristina J]

If it's a smooth wall behind, the cheapest and quickest way is to nail where it bulges out. If you want to do it a bit more seriously, you can screw drywall on top of the masonite. But even then, it might be good to put some nails or screws in the worst bumps beforehand.

OK, but I have to fill over the nail heads then, right? Fill, "tape" over, and sand? I'd prefer not to put up drywall or anything else that adds on, since there are nice ceiling moldings that I want to keep.

 

[useless]

Yes, the nail holes need to be filled to get a good finish. The tape is used for the board joints, but if there is wallpaper already that hasn't cracked, it probably isn't needed.

 

[Kristina J]

Yes, the nail holes need to be filled if it is to look good. Tape is used for the board joints, but if there is already wallpaper there that hasn't cracked, it's probably not needed.

Thank you very much!