What kind of wall prep before installing new kitchen cabinets

[RatsAndHounds]

I am having a new kitchen installed and the walls are looking gouged and uneven as the tiles have been taken off.
The builder has suggested the new cabinets can just be hung on top as nobody will see the state of the wall.
That may be so, however it doesn't seem right to me.
Should the wall be plastered smooth and primed / sealed before the units are hung?
I have read that damp / steam can penetrate through the back of the cabinets and ruin the MDF carcasses.
If the wall needs sealing, what kind of product should be used?
Many thanks for any advice!

 

[Worcesterman]

I wouldn’t do anything to the wall as long as its not visible looks ok and the cabinets hang well. Just my opinion.
Are you talking about damp coming in from outside ?

 

[candoabitofmoststuff]

I wouldn't worry about where the units are to be hung.... If moisture is getting in that's another problem that needs addressing in it's own right!
however, if you are going to tile beneath them I'd get that sorted beforehand... you want a smooth surface to tile onto, and dont want to be trying to make it smooth once the units are in place...

Well as a DIYer, that's the approach I'd take, (And have taken that approache several time in the past with no issues!)

Regards,
Cando

 

[Dan Parkinson]

If I'm pricing a kitchen job I always price for a full reskim. A lot of customers want to leave it as is.

Personal choice really

 

[RatsAndHounds]

To Worcesterman - I was thinking more of steam from cooking in the kitchen. Could it be absorbed by the wall if were not sealed and then emanate to the backs of the MDF cabinets?
To Dan Parkinson - Skimming would provide a neat foundation from which to work. Does the plaster need sealing and how long would just a skim coat take to dry?
To candoabitofmoststuff - Agreed, any surface for tiling needs to be prepped first. Easier when no interference from cabinets etc.
Thanks!

 

[Dan Parkinson]

To Worcesterman - I was thinking more of steam from cooking in the kitchen. Could it be absorbed by the wall if were not sealed and then emanate to the backs of the MDF cabinets?
To Dan Parkinson - Skimming would provide a neat foundation from which to work. Does the plaster need sealing and how long would just a skim coat take to dry?
To candoabitofmoststuff - Agreed, any surface for tiling needs to be prepped first. Easier when no interference from cabinets etc.
Thanks!

Bonding coat on any deep bits like chasings, old sockets etc then PVA everything then skim, I believe. However I'm not a plasterer.