How to Paint New Plaster?

New plaster on a wall or ceiling provides a clean canvas which can be worked on top of. However, it’s not as simple as just grabbing a tin of paint and getting going. 

At Cuthberts of Edinburgh, we provide leading plastering services in Stratford-upon-Avon and beyond. We’re experts in all aspects of the plastering process, and in this handy guide, we’ll walk you through how to paint on new plaster correctly, helping you achieve a long-lasting finish that you can be proud of. 

Read on for more information… 

 

How to paint new plaster? 

Painting on new plaster is fairly straightforward if you know how. Let’s take a look at the steps you should take to achieve the look you desire. 

Make sure the plaster is dry

Before painting, you should first check that the new plaster is fully dry. New plaster will have moisture in it, which makes it quite absorbent and can lead to problems in the future if you begin painting before it has dried properly. As a general rule, new plaster takes around four weeks to dry fully, and you should not try to paint it before this time has passed. 

It’s also important to create good ventilation in the room (you can do this by keeping windows open), and you should not be tempted to try and heat the plaster up to make it dry rapidly, as this can cause it to crack. 

Mix the mist paint

Once you are satisfied that the plaster is dry, you will next need to apply a mist coat. This is because the plaster will soak up the first coat that is applied directly to the surface. You can get mist paints from your local DIY or hardware store that will come with instructions on how to mix them properly. 

Apply the mist coat 

Once the mist coat has been mixed, use a roller or a brush to apply it to the wall evenly. At this point, you should also use dust sheets to protect your flooring and furniture, as it can be messy. Make sure you load your roller appropriately and do not overload it. Apply the coat in even, consistent strokes and make sure it absorbs into the surface rather than just sitting on top of it. 

Apply the topcoat 

Once the mist coat has dried, you will be ready to apply your top coat. This is the paint that you have chosen, and you should apply it as you would on any other prepared surface. The mist coat should have sealed the plaster, which means this topcoat will get better coverage and will not need many coats.

 

Can you paint on new plaster?

Yes, you can paint on new plaster, but the right preparation must take place. You should always use a mist coat first. If you don’t, the new plaster will absorb large amounts of paint, meaning you will need to repeat the topcoat process many times until it has adhered properly. This may result in a poor finish. 

 

How many coats does new plaster need?

If you’ve followed the process correctly and let the plaster dry before applying the mist coat, then you should not need more than two top coats. In many instances, one top coat on top of the mist will be sufficient, but you may want to do two to be sure. If you find yourself adding on numerous layers of top coat, then something has gone wrong. 

 

How long does a mist coat take to dry?

Typically, a mist coat will take around 24 hours to dry before you can apply the top coat. Once the mist coat is dry to the touch and feels firm, then you will likely be able to proceed. 

Be aware that drying time will vary depending on the room’s temperature and ventilation conditions. But 24 hours is a general guideline. 

 

Is one mist coat enough?

Yes, if properly applied, then one mist coat will be enough. Once it has sealed, you can move on with your top coat.  

 

What to do if mist coat won’t adhere?

If you have applied your mist coat and it hasn’t adhered properly, such as flaking or not bonding, then there are a few reasons why. It might not be clean, and debris or dust needs to be wiped away, or the plaster may be too smooth, and it needs to be abraded. 

At Cuthberts of Edinburgh, we take pride in providing our customers with perfectly plastered walls that can be painted on with ease. To find out more about our services from plastering to full home renovations, simply get in touch with our team today. 

Contact Us