Solution for bad concrete textured walls

[55Thunderboy]

Hi guys im new on this board but an active HAMB member for quite a few years.

I am finally on my way to building my dream garage not only for personal use but for business.

I have a particular vision for the place and it needs some serious renovations.

I am not sure what are good options for the walls. I don't have photos of them right now since the place is still occupied and they would allow me to take photos etc.

the walls appear to be made of cement block them covered in some sort of crapy mortar which is cracking bad, wavy, uneven and some areas look like stucco. It looks OLD and really bad.

I need to make these walls smooth and uniform and i have a few ideas in mind i just don't know whats best.

I thought of the following:

Having some guys use real plaster and coat all the walls and polish smooth and paint. might be the cheapest for me.

Having them try to do the same with a mortar mix but i dont think this will be easy or give a smooth surface like plaster

Or sheet rock. I was thinking of screwing 2x4 studs to the walls and using liquid nails as well with special fasteners. Sheet rock right over it, tape and paint

Or have a company come in and spray the walls with a coating to level and smooth the surface but i am not sure something like this even exist.

I need to the walls to be able to hang artwork which will change regularly since i am an artist and plan to use the place to show my work part time. concrete walls are not ideal


any ideas or suggestions are appreciated,and please don't say post photos the description is pretty easy to visualize.

 

[ConCretin]

My first thought, based on your description, was that it sounds like someone tried to waterproof the wall by parging the inside face. before you do anything, verify that the wall stays dry when it rains.

I'd be reluctant to apply another product over the existing parge coat if it is cracked and poorly adhered. I think you might be happier with a moisture barrier, studs or furring and sheetrock.

 

[Big-Foot]

Not that this is exactly what you are describing, but I had a similar problem with parts of my foundation in an area that I really did not want to go totally nutz in with insulation and walls.. If you look around in this Photobucket album of mine, you'll see a short movie and a separate slideshow with how I addressed the foundation walls that were in very bad shape with 4 or 5 different types and sizes of block and brick to convert an old coal bin into a wine cellar..
I can give you the recipe for my poly-vinyl stucco if you want it in a PM..

http://s1134.photobucket.com/albums/m612/rvandeloo/

http://s1134.photobucket.com/albums...ition_WineCellar_c96t.mp4&mediafilter=noflash

The bottom link may work better.. I am on a iPad and it functions differently from a PC..

 

[Big-Foot]

Thunder... Did you figure something out with those walls?