"Chris" wrote in message
ups.com...
I am removing old wallpaper with a few coats of paint ontop for good
measure.. Under the brown backing paper is smooth plaster (with
cracks.. 80 years old)

after fixing the cracks, does this plaster need to be skim coated
before priming/painting? it looks like there was nothing done to the
original plaster..


Unless you need to smooth out irregularities, there's no need to skim coat.
Just prime it. I did this 17 years ago in my old house, and the wallpaper's
holding up nicely. I don't recall what kind of primer I used, though. Check
with a real paint store.