Painting a new skimmed wall

Hi. I always use paint for new plaster first. There are many brands that do this paint, but have a look at the screwfix no nonsense bare plaster paint. As regards dilution ratios i rarely quote those, this is because there are variables that differ from job to job. The porosity of the walls, room temperature and humidity etc. What you are looking for is for the paint to be diluted sufficiently that it is easily absorbed by the plaster as you apply it. This ensures priming takes place and also its the first step to obliterating the colour of the plaster. Usually 2 mist coats should give an even white finish (if there are no problems with the plaster) when thorougly dry then apply finish coats. Even after mist coating the plaster will still be very porous so i dilute the first finishing coat. Again to the point it is easily absorbed, if undiluted it is likely that brush and roller marks will be evident ( even through subsequent coats) To tell you how many finishing coats you will need isnt possible here. It depends on what paint you are using, the colour and the quality of paint. Enough coats to achieve a uniform colour of choice

Purchase a matt emulsion (non vinyl) and dilute to 25%-35% water. Apply carefully as this will splash and to ensure complete wall is covered. This will ensure the plaster is sealed. This can be followed by a couple coats minimum of your chosen finish paint. Plaster sealers can be used but I see this as unnecessary expense as dilute emulsion has desired effect.

Hi you can use a plaster sealer for all new plaster but i find this expensive, make sure the walls are rubbed down removing any nibs of plaster and wipe the area down to remove dust with a damp cloth, mix a 50% paint and 50% water and mix together until fully mixed and apply to walls, once the area is dry it should show any filling required, Give the area 2 coats of a good brand such as Dulux or Crown emulsion, some times i put a little water in the emulsion as it is easier to use and drys flat and reduces stippling being seen from roller but it depends on what paint you are using. hope this helps lee