Hi
Hoping someone can help to clarify the correct way to paint new plaster, and the timescale please as finding so much conflicting information online!
We are getting the keys for our new home in a fortnight, after a painful 7 month wait. We have the plasterer coming in on the first day to plaster two of the rooms, which will later be professionally decorated.
We need to know when is the very earliest we can paint the ceilings, as we can't have the new carpets laid until this is done and really really need to be in by Christmas!
Some sites say we need to leave it a month, which isn't really an option, others say we can paint it in a couple of days if we use a 'breathable paint' which allows the plaster to continue drying.
The latter option is what we're hoping for, but want to get a few professional opinions if I can.
Also, if we do go with this can anyone recommend a good 'breathable paint' we can use please? I had my eye on the 'paint for new plaster' from Screwfix, but unfortunately seems to have been discontinued!! I'd prefer to use a specialised product, rather than emulsion mixed with water, to avoid mess.
Thank you in advance for any advice! :)
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
1. Do not apply pva or add pva to paint. Ever. As advised above.
2. The paint discontinued at screwfix was good but it was dicontinued to be replaced with another( different manafacturer) and the reviews are awful.
3. Plaster skim coat can be painted as soon as it is a uniform light pink colour. The corners take the longest to dry, temperature and air flow always assist drying.
4. Not all emulsions are 'breathable' contract matts and paint for new plaster will allow some moisture to escape through the paint because they are non-film forming like vinyl matts etc.
5. Whilst they will allow some moisture to escape this in reality is only ever meant to be a minimum amount and not 'wet' plaster. The effect at minimum if you paint wet will be the paint will become dusty.
6. Ratios for mist coats. No point in quoting the often quoted 50/50. There are many variables to take into account that influence dilution rates. The most critical of which is the paint. This information should be there to read on the tub.
7. Do it properly, wait till the plaster has fully dried
Hello, I think I may be able to put you in the right direction here, you really should let the new plaster become what we would call "white dry" this is basically the same colour as what is in the bag of plaster. As the new plaster dries out it will go dark colour and as it dries it will go patchy when all is the same colour that is the time to put a mis-coat which should be around the 50-50 ratio followed by 2 normal coats. As far as paint, all water based paints are breathable and what you should use is either a trade emulsion or a matt emulsion. I find that Leyland paint is a good quality paint others may disagree but it does the job and I think at the moment B & Q are doing a special offer.
Hope this helps.
When is fresh plaster first you must make sure the plaster is fully dry, then the first coat of paint you apply to the walls you need to water down, 50% water and then 50% paint, this is called a miscoat or white wash, it will dry almost instantly as the fresh plaster is soak all the water/paint in, so you have to be quick rolling the paint out, then the second coat of pain you must water down 80%paint then 20% water then 2 full coats of paint, make sure you lightly sand the walls after each coat. Hope this helps you.
Hi,
The best and quickest way to do this is to let the plaster dry for 4-5 days then paint over with a water + PVA sealer mix (2 Litres water to 1 Pint PVA) and let this dry for 24 hours. Then your walls will be ready to paint with whatever paint you would like to use.
Regards, Adrian
Hi I think what your really asking is how can I dry out the new plaster fast as possible,you can hire a special plaster heater from any good tool hire shop which speeds up the process with out damaging the new plaster ,just don’t place to close to walls.we use them on new builds in winter time
