Painting kitchen
 

I need to paint the kitchen. I just removed the wallpaper and will need to do some plaster repairs behind the stove. The issue is making sure it's flat. I've been told that it needs a skim coat. What's a skim coat and how do I apply one?

A skim coat is when you float a thin layer of joint compound over the wall...... let it dry then sand it smooth, it isn't that hard but sanding is messy. You can get the joint compound premixed. The hard part is texturing, well not that hard but it does take practice.

http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projec...all/drwl_7.htm

Ashton's got it right. The sanding is the worst part. Another thing is if you're going to paint with semi-gloss paint you'll want to use a couple good thick coats of primer or flat paint first.

If you have a vacuum with a hose like a shop vac, sand with one hand and hold vacuum hose with other, catching the dust as it comes off sanding pad, won't get it all but will help alot. I live in an old house and have done a shitload of skim coating.