New Plaster Painting Guide.
How to deal with newly plastered walls and ceilings for painting.
Dealing with new plaster walls and ceilings before painting involves a few important steps to ensure a smooth, durable finish. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Allow the Plaster to Dry Completely
Monitoring Drying: Plaster typically dries from the edges inward. It's crucial to monitor areas that may take longer, like corners or thicker sections.
Environmental Factors: To accelerate drying, ensure good ventilation in the room, and use a dehumidifier if necessary. However, avoid using direct heat (like heaters), as this can cause the plaster to dry unevenly and crack.
2. Prepare the Surface Thoroughly
Check for Cracks and Holes: Even if the plaster looks smooth, sometimes hairline cracks or small holes can appear as it dries. Inspect the entire surface carefully.
Filling Imperfections:
Filler Choice: Use a fine, easy-sand filler. Apply with a filling knife, pushing it firmly into any imperfections.
Drying and Sanding: Allow the filler to dry completely, then sand it flush with the wall using fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust afterward.
3. Sand the Surface (Optional but Recommended)
Why Sanding Helps: Sanding new plaster isn’t always necessary, but it can help remove any minor imperfections or trowel marks left by the plasterer.
Technique: Sand gently in a circular motion to avoid gouging the plaster. Focus on any high spots or areas where the plaster might be uneven.
4. Apply a Mist Coat
Why a Mist Coat Matters: New plaster is highly porous and will absorb paint quickly. A mist coat seals the surface, preventing the topcoat from being absorbed unevenly, which can lead to blotchiness.
Alternative Products:
Specialised Sealers: Some companies offer plaster sealers that you can use instead of a mist coat. These are specifically designed to prime new plaster and can be a good option if you prefer not to mix paint and water.
Application Tips:
Coverage: Be prepared for the plaster to absorb a lot of the mist coat, requiring more paint than usual.
Roller Technique: Use a medium-pile roller for good coverage without leaving roller marks. Work in manageable sections to ensure an even application.
5. Inspect and Repair
Check Under Different Lighting: Use different angles and lighting sources to check the walls. Imperfections can sometimes be more visible under certain lights, especially at night when artificial lighting is used.
Priming Over Filler: After filling and sanding, apply a small amount of diluted mist coat over the repairs to ensure they don’t stand out after the final coats.
6. Apply the Top Coats
Choosing the Right Paint:
Type of Paint: For walls, a matte or eggshell finish is often preferred, as it hides imperfections well. For ceilings, matte is usually the best option as it reduces glare.
Quality of Paint: Invest in high-quality paint. Cheaper paints often require more coats and don’t provide as even or durable a finish.
Cutting In: Start by "cutting in" along the edges of walls and ceilings. Use a brush to paint along the edges, corners, and around fixtures. This ensures a clean, professional look.
Roller Application: Use a roller with a medium or short nap, depending on the texture of the wall. Roll in a "W" or "M" pattern to distribute paint evenly and avoid lines or streaks.
Avoid Overworking the Paint: Don’t go back over areas that have started to dry, as this can cause the paint to lift or create texture inconsistencies.
7. Additional Tips for a Professional Finish
Edge Protection: Use painter’s tape to protect edges, trim, and any fixtures. Remove the tape while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid pulling off dried paint.
Maintain a Wet Edge: To avoid lap marks, maintain a wet edge by rolling the full height of the wall, moving slightly from one side to the other with each stroke.
Drying Time Between Coats: Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next. This helps avoid issues like peeling or cracking down the line.
Final Inspection: After the last coat has dried, check for any missed spots or uneven areas. Touch up as needed, using the same application techniques to blend the repairs seamlessly.
8. Final Considerations
Ventilation During Drying: Ensure proper ventilation in the room during the drying process of each coat to avoid moisture build-up, which can affect the finish.
Cleaning Up: Use appropriate solvents to clean brushes and rollers if you're using oil-based paints. For water-based paints, warm soapy water will suffice. Store unused paint properly for future touch-ups.
9. Maintenance Tips
Curing Time: It can take several weeks for paint to fully cure. During this time, avoid washing the walls or exposing them to excessive moisture.
Avoiding Scuffs: Be gentle with new walls, as the paint will be more susceptible to scuffs and marks before it fully hardens.
By following these detailed steps, you'll ensure that your new plaster walls and ceilings have a flawless, long-lasting paint job.