Cellar paint

Given that most cellars have some form of access to the outside world it might be prudent to install an extractor unit to remove the pongs and also help circulate the air,

As for wall covering I would go for a microporous paint to allow the walls to breath and therefore not crumble because of the retrained dampness behind.

Thanks for the advice

Any idea of the actual paint names and suggested good brands - I'm new to this forum so if this isn't allowed please send me an email direct

Thanks again

I'd use traditional white limewash with a slug of PVA added to help it glue to the painted areas. White limewash is whiter than white, doesnt change colour in the damp (coloured limewash does change), it is cheap and if applied correctly it is not dusty

The gotchas

You will have to source some lime putty. White limewash = lime putty + water. Lime putty costs about £20 for a big tub which will last forever. Where in the country are you?

Limewashing is not rocket science but also not quite so idiot proof as modern paint so find some instructions on the internet and read them before you begin. It sets by absorbing CO2 and cellars tend to be a bit stagnant so I suggest you put a fan in the cellar for a few days to waft the air around

Anna

~~ Anna Kettle, Suffolk, England |""""| ~ Lime plaster repair and conservation / ^^ \ // Freehand modelling in lime: overmantels, pargeting etc |____|

You know, Anna, I was going to suggest limewash but a) wasn't sure if you can still buy it and b) didn't want to cause scorn. I'm glad you did :-)

Ah, the old days of limewashing the cellars, the outside lav, the pantry - especially just before labour began ... it takes me back!

Mary