Well, we've been tackling the paint/calcimine dilemma for two days now, and this is where we're at: Hubby and I have been going at the surface layer of (peeling) paint with 3" putty knives, and we've gotten about 85% of the paint off... the remaining stuff JUST WILL NOT BUDGE. This morning we went to HD and I picked up a jug of TSP, which (according to the label) is good for removing chalky substances. While hubby was up on the scaffolding, scraping near the ceiling, I started scrubbing a section of the wall with full-strength TSP and an abrasive sponge (like one would use for drywall finishing), being sure to leave a good sudsy layer on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing with a different sponge and clean water. Two scrubs/rinses seemed to cut down about 90% of the chalkiness, and it did help lift the surface layer of paint somewhat, but there are still patches of paint here and there that no amount of scraping seems to want to take off. My question is, do we absolutely NEED to get every speck of surface paint off the walls before priming/repainting? I found the above-mentioned Benjamin Moore product via a Google search; has anyone used it before, and do you know how much wall prep is required before applying it? I am wondering how much of the calcimine it penetrates... Whoever said this wasn't an easy project sure wasn't kidding... It's a cheap project as far as materials costs go, but BOY is it grueling...

I'll be curious to see what other ideas and comments you get. I've done all the painting in all of our homes, so I am a fairly experienced 'non-professional" and I think your approach sounds very reasonable. I have not ever used the SW Adhesion Primer though. But you have, and on fiberglass, so that seems like pretty trustworthy experience. Regarding testing the product in a closet. Honestly, I think that's a waste of time. It actually takes weeks for paint products to fully bond and set up. You should plan to be extra careful the first month. Be sure to follow the suggested wait times on the primer can and on the 'between coats' paint can. I think this is where people mess up. Too little wait time and too long can both cause problems. Also, use TSP or Dirtex for the cleaning. It won't leave a residue, and that's important. One step you didn't mention was caulking. Took me many years to learn this, but it is the trick to give you professional results around woodwork. One of those things that seems intimidating but isn't. Try Youtube for some easy demos.

A Bondo type product will work well if the substrate (e.g. the underlying wood) is still in good condition. If your wood is not solid, I'd look into a penetrating epoxy type of solution. Usually there are two components. I liquid type penetrating epoxy that is absorbed by the wood to consolidate and remediate the punky wood. You use this to consolidate the wood fibers and assure the structrual integrity of the piece of wood. The second component is an epoxy filler. This is similar to the bondo type products but epoxy based. Use this to fill the wood to build up to a smooth surface ready for painting. Diane

This is a very helpful post as we are also in that situation. I particularly wanted to comment about scheduling the charity pick ups. I do these regularly anyway so our house is not too cluttered, but it's a big house and we have so much stuff that we just don't need. I recently (like 2 weeks ago) had a charity pick up of lots of stuff (like maybe 15 bags full) and decided to schedule one for the end of the month as well. Mostly it is clothing and linens but I also put in small household goods. I find having a pick up scheduled is very helpful. Soon will be scheduling painter (we already got estimates and decided on who to use). We had planned to get the house inspected before listing and might still, but someone explained to us that since our house is well maintained and all, it;s probable that they would pretty much find stupid nuisance stuff that they always find, and it's no big deal or $. We are reconsidering this as it would cost $$ to get the inspection done. What we haven't done is interview the realtors. I am so torn and think I will wait until at least the painting is done (which should be by the end of January). I am torn if we have them in before we really put our best foot forward if that will influence them or not. The other thing I am pretty sure I will do within the next few weeks- I think I will replace range and dishwasher. Other appliances have been replaced within the last 2 years and are stainless- the older ones (which still are quite functional) are about 15 years old and white. I just think that it will show the kitchen totally updated when I do that. ( I don't intend to get super high end appliances but just updated and good ones) that will just go with everything else in the house. We do have carpeting, which is in very good condition but needs cleaning- that will be done right after the painters leave.:) Would realistically like to have house listed by March/April. Gotta go get rid of more stuff. Charity pick up is scheduled for next Wednesday!