Old plaster, damp patches and condensation
Plaster in older houses is rarely perfectly flat. Hairline cracks open and close with the seasons, and patches of earlier repairs can show through new paint. In a wet climate with mild winters, condensation collects on cold external walls, in bathrooms and in rooms with little ventilation, and mould shows up in corners and behind furniture.
It is important to separate surface mould from true damp. Painting over damp does not cure it. We look for causes such as a leaking gutter, a bridged damp course or poor ventilation, and suggest that the underlying issue is resolved before decorating. After that, stain-blocking primers, mould-resistant paints in wet rooms and proper filling bring the finish up to scratch.
