Just had my kitchen /diner ceiling skimmed, first coat was a 50/50 mix of emulsion and water. Now have applied two coats of matt emulsion and I'm getting a patchy finish with lots of roller marks. Paint is 'Schulz' which was very cheap at B&Q at £8 for 10 litres. Should I buy some better stuff ? Roller is again the B&Q cheepie wool type one with extended handle. Thankyou for reading my problem.

Vince, October 2010

I have waited one week before applying a mis coat. I've now applied 4 coats and it still looks patchy and rough. What should I do?

Anne, April 2013

The roller should be ok and it would be stupid to go and buy a sheepskin roller which are expensive just to paint one ceiling.What you need to buy though is a better quality emulsion paint like dulux or crown.Give it 2 neat coats making sure the first coat is dry before applying the final coat.Been a decorator for 30yrs now so I think I am right.

Dulux, January 2011

u should have painted it staight out of the paint tub reason u are geting tramlines is ure not rolling right get a sheepskin roller and you wont get tramlines and get crown emulisoin

painter / dercor, December 2010

consider investing in a better roller, ie lambs wool and wash out well when finished, will last you a life time!

keving, November 2010

This may be an obvious answer but its amazingly overlooked by many impaitent people.make sure the plaster has properly dried before applying any 50/50 water/emul-or paste. Dont use any pva AT ALL as this will make the paint or paper dry to quick and will either make the paint peel off or cause the paper not to seal properly.If possible leave the plastered area to dry in a well ventilated area....
TIP:when plaster becomes a light pink colour WITHOUT ANY DARK BROWN PATCHES its ready to be prept.usually between 4-5 days to a week, the longer you can leave plaster to dry the better the end result. follow the advice and the worst thing that will happen is you will have to add another lick of paint.my experience dont buy cheap paint...(PERIOD)

BigT(scotland), November 2010

You need to "paint" or in decorator's terms, "size" the skim with a wallpaper paste mix. Just once over with a stiff paste mix (a cup or two less water than normal) allowed to dry for 48 hours will be enough, then paint 1-2 coats of paint over the top - the paste will stop the paint soaking into the plaster skim.

Without this step the most expensive paint in the world will look just as patchy. Any wallpaper paste will do, doesn't matter how cheap for this use of it. Also you should do the same onto freshly plastered walls if hanging paper too, or the paper may peel off when dry.

DW, October 2010