I've just stripped lining paper in a largish bedroom, 4m x 4m x 2.9m; unfortunately the plaster is covered in patchy distemper.
From online research it seems that there are two types: water-based distemper and oil-based. Since mine rubs off with a damp kitchen scrubbing sponge I'd guess I have the water-based distemper.
I know I need to seal the surface using one of (1) clear stabilising solution, (2) primer sealer, or (3) diluted PVA prior to applying emulsion paint.
Can any of these sealers make the surface smooth enough that subsequent coats of paint won't show the underlying patchiness, or must I wash all of the distemper off first? It took me about 15 minutes to wash 1 square metre, and I'm not sure I want to spend 12 hours scrubbing walls!
Dave