If you’re re-decorating, it’s vital that you prepare your walls properly before painting. In some cases, this might include plastering the walls. If this is the case, whatever you do, don’t paint the walls immediately after plastering.
However, new plaster needs special care before you apply your final coats of paint, and if you get it right, the results will be long-lasting and durable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about painting new plaster, from checking if it’s dry to choosing the best paint and applying the correct number of coats.
Does new plaster need to be dry before painting?
Yes, new plaster must be completely dry before painting. While it might be tempting to paint freshly plastered walls immediately, painting over damp plaster can lead to various problems, including peeling, flaking or cracking.
How can I tell if new plaster is dry enough?
As mentioned, the most crucial first step when it comes to painting new plaster is to ensure it’s completely dry. So, how can you tell if your new plaster is dry? The two main ways are:
- Colour change
When new plaster is first applied, it’s often dark pink or brown. As the new plaster begins to dry, you’ll notice that it gradually starts to lighten in colour. It will soon be a light pink or off-white, and all previous brown patches will have disappeared. - Touch
The colour alone might not be enough. In fact, even if the new plaster looks dry, you should touch it just to double-check. If the surface feels cold or damp, it’s not completely dry yet. Dry plaster should feel completely smooth and at room temperature.
How long does it take for new plaster to dry?
The total time it takes for new plaster to dry can vary, however, it generally takes anything from around three to five days, up to a couple of weeks. You can help new plaster dry efficiently by:
- Keeping the temperature low, comfortable and consistent.
- Ventilating the room by opening windows and doors. This will also help to remove any moisture.
- Using a dehumidifier to remove any unwanted moisture.
- Although it might be tempting to turn up the heat, you don’t want the plaster to dry too quickly – or else it might crack.
Should I paint directly onto new plaster?
Despite it being dry, new plaster is still highly porous, which means painting emulsion directly onto it can leave you with uneven brush strokes. To avoid this, you need to seal your plaster – otherwise known as applying a mist coat.
Mix your mist coat by watering down emulsion paint, which acts as a primer. Ten parts paint to one part water will ensure it is watered down enough. If you don’t fancy making your own, there are alternative options to buy.
You should need one mist coat, however, if the plaster is especially absorbent, you might need two. If you’re unsure as to how many coats you’ll need, you might want to test a small section to see how well the plaster absorbs.
We would advise always leaving the primer – or mist coast – a good 24 hours before painting with emulsion.
What paint should I use on new plaster?
Choosing the right paint to put on new plaster is vital to ensuring a smooth finish, and will help avoid unwanted cracking or peeling.
With that in mind, when choosing your paint, follow these tips:
- Choose breathable, quality paints, like matt emulsion.
- Avoid vinyl paints, as these can trap moisture behind the paint, which might cause problems over time.
Finally, always allow each coat of paint to dry fully before applying the next. Rushing the process might lead to uneven results, bubbling, clumps or bumps.
Starting your next paint project? Contact Warwickshire Decorating Contracts
By following these steps, you’re more likely to create beautifully painted, smooth, fresh walls.
For that ultimate professional finish, bring in the experts from Warwickshire Decorating Contracts. Our team will efficiently prepare your walls, before decorating your commercial space to the highest quality. Contact our team today.
