What do I do with this monstrosity

[theshoefairy]

Hi all.

I've recently ripped off the board in my living room.

There used to be a fireplace behind. This is what I uncovered.

How on earth do I take this ready for skimming? There appears to be a coating of soot on the wall which is wet in places.

Many thanks

 

[John j]

Foam it. @essexandy

 

[Monkey Boy]

 

[essexandy]

Foam it. @essexandy

You're the forum expert on shite jobs mate, I'll bow to your, er, knowledge.
What you reckon @zombie , more to learn from John?

 

[CeeVee]

Hi all.

I've recently ripped off the board in my living room.

There used to be a fireplace behind. This is what I uncovered.

How on earth do I take this ready for skimming? There appears to be a coating of soot on the wall which is wet in places.

Many thanks

Plasterers do so much more than just skimming.
Just get one in to sort it all out instead of giving yourself a headache.

 

[Stewie03]

Take the battens off and paint the brick black to blend in with the soot,stress free feature wall BOSH

 

[Xawwah]

The most budget option is to hang a large poster on the wall. Something like this)