How remove PVA .. a skin has formed on surface ..been like this at least 2 yrs

[Garybbbb]

Hi .. im Gary. Gettin into diy at home after years of neglect Bathroom .. couple if years ago, Plasterer told diyer to apply a couple of coats of pva to newly plastered walls and ceiling. Far too much pva was applied. The surface has never been touched since pva applied. A "pva" elasticky skin has formed on surface. It looks appaling. Want to paint walls.
The plan is (this sound ok for decent paint job)
1. Clean off pva skin/residue
2. Apply undercoat
3 paint walls
How i get rid of pva skin/residue pls.
Thanks. G

 

[PerryGunn]

Have a look at https://www.hunker.com/13401655/how-to-remove-pva - you can always try their suggestions on a small area to see if they work

 

[johnnyb]

this is what I would try.( no guarantees or nothing) get a wallpaper steamer. gently steam an area and scrape. repeat all over if a success. paint with matt paint. and sand gently to smooth. alternatively pva and reskim.