How do I paint new plaster?

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss  tips and techniques that will help you achieve professional-looking results when you paint your new plaster. 

Painting New Plaster: The Essentials

Before painting, it is crucial to understand a few essential steps that will ensure a successful outcome. These preliminary tasks will help prepare the surface for painting and guarantee the longevity of your newly painted walls.

1. Allow Sufficient Drying Time: It is imperative to give your newly plastered walls ample time to dry before applying any paint. This drying period depends on the thickness of the plaster and environmental conditions. A skim of plaster on plasterboard may take typically 4-7 days to dry out, whilst solid plaster may take 1-2 weeks to dry.
   
   The plaster is ready to paint when it is a uniform salmon pink colour.
   
   Rushing the drying out step can lead to paint problems, such as peeling or bubbling.
   
   Don't be tempted to force dry the plaster using heaters, hairdryers or dehumidifiers as this may cause the plaster to crack.
   
   
2. Prepare the Surface: The surface of your plaster applied by Durrant and Daughter will be ready to be primed.
   
   
3. Prime the Plaster: Applying a coat of primer to the newly plastered surface is crucial. This is known as the 'mist' coat. The mist coat serves multiple purposes, including sealing the porous nature of plaster, promoting paint adhesion, and ensuring an even finish.
   
   You can buy new plaster primers, but you can easily make your own by diluting contact matt emulsion paint with water until it is the consistency of skimmed milk. Do not use silk emulsion paint.
   
   The mist coat should be applied using a medium pile roller and cutting in the edges of the surface with a paint brush.

Painting Techniques for New Plaster

Once you have adequately prepared the surface, it's time to apply paint! Below are expert techniques and tips to help you achieve a seamless and professional-looking paint job on your newly plastered walls.

1. Choose the Right Paint: Opt for a high-quality, water-based emulsion paint that is specially formulated for new plaster surfaces. Contract emulsions are ideal for this purpose. These paints are designed to allow any residual moisture in the plaster to escape while providing excellent coverage and durability.
2. Use a Roller for Large Areas: When painting larger wall surfaces, a roller is your best friend. It ensures a smooth and consistent application, minimizing the appearance of brush strokes. We suggest using a medium pile roller.
3. Cut In with a Brush: For precise edges and corners, use a high-quality paintbrush to "cut in" the paint. The brush allows you to carefully paint along the edges of the wall, around windows, and other intricate areas that are difficult to reach with a roller. This technique ensures clean lines and a professional finish.
4. Work in Small Sections: To avoid visible lines between sections, it is crucial to work in manageable areas. Divide your wall into smaller sections, painting one at a time while the edges are still wet. This technique, known as "wet edge painting," allows for seamless blending and prevents uneven color changes.
5. Apply Multiple Coats: Applying multiple thin coats of paint is preferred over a single thick coat. Thin coats dry more quickly and evenly, reducing the likelihood of drips, streaks, or excessive brush marks. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next, following the paint manufacturer's instructions for drying times.

Conclusion

Painting new plaster can be a rewarding endeavor, elevating the aesthetics of your space to new heights. By following these expert tips and techniques, you can achieve a flawless finish that will be the envy of all. Remember to adequately prepare the surface, choose the right materials, and employ the correct techniques. With patience and commitment, you'll be well on your way to transforming your freshly plastered walls into works of art! Happy painting!

Contact Us

Durrant and Daughter are a professional and reliable family run plastering business serving Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Bath, Bristol, Shepton Mallet, Frome, and Wells. With years of experience, we take pride in offering top-quality workmanship and ensuring a clean and tidy finish on every project. Contact us today for all your plastering and painting needs.