Ceiling Paint bubbles I can't get rid of (2023 Update)

I painted a lounge ceiling - new over existing emulsion. It came up with bubbles everywhere as soon as I finished painting. Tried scraping off bubbles prior to putting on jointing compound to fill the holes left. But when I started washing down prior to putting compound on, new bubbles appeared! I've been told that I need to scrape or sand off the existing paint before prepping again, but the paint isn't coming off easily and it's a biggish ceiling - 23 sq m. And I'm a bit too decrepit and old to do justice to it. I'm desperate to solve it somehow, but not sure what to do. A sanding pole? Drywall vacuum sander? Sealant? Chemical paint remover? At this point, I'd be ok with just putting up lining paper and painting that if I could be sure more bubbles wouldn't appear from adhesive or the paint . Any suggestions gratefully received. Thanks.

It sounds like you're having a tough time getting rid of the bubbles in your lounge ceiling paint. Painting over existing emulsion can sometimes cause bubbles to form if the surface is not properly cleaned and prepped before applying the new paint.

From an economic standpoint, scraping or sanding off the existing paint before prepping again is probably the most effective way to ensure that the bubbles don't reappear. However, I understand that this can be a big job, especially for a ceiling of 23 sq m.

One option you could consider is renting a sanding pole or a drywall vacuum sander. These tools can make the scraping and sanding process easier and faster. Keep in mind that renting tools can be quite expensive, so it's important to compare the cost of renting with the cost of hiring a professional.

Another option is to use a chemical paint remover. This can be a quicker and easier way to remove the existing paint, but it can be quite messy, and it's important to follow the manufacturer's safety precautions when using them.

Another option is to use sealant or lining paper. But, it's important to note that bubbles may appear again if the surface is not properly cleaned and prepped before applying the sealant or lining paper.

In any case, it's important to consider the cost of materials, tools, and labor when making a decision. I recommend that you consult a professional painter or home improvement expert to get a better idea of the cost and effort involved in each option.