Smoothing and filling in interior restoration

In restoration, substrate preparation is a sort of in-depth "diagnosis." It begins with a close inspection of the surfaces: hollow-sounding plaster, swelling, cracks, dusty areas, salt efflorescence, damp patches, old, swollen or flaking paint. Each sign reveals something about the wall's history and any remaining issues.

The first step involves removing loosely bonded material : easily flaking plaster, loose paint layers, and old, poorly bonded plaster. This often dusty and unspectacular task is essential to avoid building new systems on unstable foundations. Where the plaster is sound, it is maintained; where it is not, localized demolition is carried out.

This is followed by an analysis of structural defects : deep cracks, exposed reinforcing bars, loose or damaged masonry. In these cases, the decorator's work overlaps with that of technicians and structural contractors; before considering the finishing touches, the substrate's stability must be restored, with stitching, repointing, localized reinforcement, or more significant interventions.

A delicate issue concerns humidity : rising damp, infiltrations from above, thermal bridges, condensation. White efflorescence, peeling plaster, and persistent stains indicate problems that cannot be solved with a simple "anti-mold" paint. In many cases, dehumidifying plasters, restoration systems, and correcting the underlying causes are necessary before starting the final decorative cycle.

Once the structure has been restored, targeted leveling and smoothing is performed: lime-based fillers or compatible mortars, breathable leveling compounds, and reinforcement mesh at joints and critical points. The goal is to restore the surface to a uniform condition, without marked differences in level between new and old parts.

Preparing the substrate for restoration requires time and patience, but it's precisely at this stage that the actual duration of the restoration is determined. A cycle of excellent products, applied to an unrestored substrate, will never deliver the expected results.