We have a window in our stairwell area and we are redecorating the whole stairs, hall and landing. When we took the paper off we've discovered a dark pattern above the window.
 
	 
 
	There were "salt crystals" on the surface in the days after removing the paper and then I noticed more again after doing some more stripping with the steamer. It does seem to have got lighter ,but hasn't got darker again with rain we've had.
 
	 
 
	I've asked a few damp companies to come take a look for me but noone helping so far.
 
	 
 
	A builder friend said it could just be a cold spot on the lintel? 
 
	 
 
	Any ideas or tips please? We are wanting to re-plaster once all paper is off so we can just paint rather than wallpaper. 
 
	 
 
	We have a semi and this is the end and it's rendered on the outside of the house from the half way up this window.