OK, here's what I would do...

1. Get as much tile adhesive off as you can using a scraper and maybe some warm water to soften the adhesive.

2. Brush the deepest layer concrete to get rid of any loose bits.

3. Apply diluted PVA to all areas that aren't already OK to be painted. Firstly, one coat of 5 parts water:1 part PVA to seal the surfaces and then, just before you want to start plastering, another coats of 3 parts water:1 part PVA. A big old paintbrush will do the job.

4. Bring all the biggest dents and holes level to the surface with a layer of bonding plaster. You can use a straight piece of wood to help you level the plaster. The odd 1 or 2 mm bump or dip can be sorted out with the skim. You don't have to skim the parts that will be tiled over but get them as flat as you can.

5. The next day you can skim over the areas that are going to be visible and painted. Don't take any short cuts with a single coat of skim - do a proper two-coat skim.

Products: I always use Thistle (bonding plaster and multi-finish plaster). They should be under £5 a bag in Wickes. One bag of bonding will do the job and one or possibly two of multi-finish (I can't tell from the picture). Any PVA should be OK - normally sold in 5 litre plastic bottles.

Thanks for the replies guys.
I am going to do the 2 walls that will be tiled or hidden by units then tackle one of the main ones, if ok then good if not then I will get a plasterer to finish the job.

Question on the finishing skim.....

Once I mix the finishing `skim` how long do I have to apply to the wall before it would be unuseable, bearing in mind I will be slower at applying it than a skilled plasterer.

thanks

juco don't think that if a wall is to be tiled it doesn't need to be perfectly flat and smooth, its vital to have a perfect wall if you want the tiles to lay flat.

Quote:
 Woodsmith.

I realise that due to previous tiling.  I was just referring to any little nicks, air bubbles etc that although generally level maybe not be perfect visually. I have tiled 3 bathrooms this year both floors and walls and had satisfactory results in all of them.
Thanks though for raising the point as there are probably other issues I may not be aware of.

regards
juco

i would score it first. then pva and skim

why not just dot dab the walls with gyproc much easier than plastering.


Plastering is one of the most difficult skills in the building trade in my opinion.

I agree with you both re plasterboard however I do need to get some practice with plastering/skimming so what better time to start.
The house in question will be for rental and no rush to get it ready, at least I wont have to look at my mistakes every day

Skim the wall with one coat and then before it sets apply the 2nd coat.