Painting old plaster walls in a Montreal plex: what to know

Character worth keeping

Original plaster walls, deep baseboards and decorative mouldings are part of what makes older Montreal homes so charming. They deserve a careful approach rather than a quick roll-over.

Plaster is hard and durable, but decades of house settling and seasonal movement often leave hairline cracks and patched areas.

Preparation is most of the job

Cracks need to be opened slightly and filled properly so they do not reappear right away. Loose or bubbling paint must be scraped and feathered smooth, and patched areas primed so the new coat looks even.

Older homes may have many layers of paint, sometimes including oil-based coats under latex. The right primer helps the new paint bond and prevents peeling.

Mind the mouldings

Ornate crown moulding and ceiling medallions can be clogged by years of paint. Careful brushwork keeps the detail crisp instead of softening it further.

A note on older paint

Homes built long ago may contain older paint layers that call for extra care when sanding or scraping. If you have concerns, mention your home's age when requesting your free estimate so the work can be planned appropriately.