I just finished tearing out the wallpaper from a small room in our 1906 house. The glue is coming up with DIF, water and some elbow grease. The walls underneath are plaster with several coats of very gaudy paint. I assume the paint contains lead -- I also think it might be oil-based as the color doesn't come up when I scrub with water and a brillo pad. The paint is chipped and peeling in a few small areas. The plaster has a few minor cracks and is not as even as I would like, but is generally sound.

I've read through this forum, and am considering using Peelaway #1 to remove the paint from the plaster walls. How do I go about smoothing and repairing the plaster? Can I use a sander to bring down the high spots? What kind of seam tape should I use on the small cracks? What kind of plaster mix? (Patching plaster, plaster of paris, something else?) Should I put a skim coat over everything after patching? Is this something that should be left to a professional, or can I tackle it myself? What kind of primer should I use before painting? BIN123, Kilz, other? How long do I need to let the plaster dry before priming?

Any advice and tips on technique, materials etc would be much appreciated.... This small room is my training ground -- if this turns out well, the bedrooms and dining room come next.

Removing paint from plaster walls