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Painting New Plaster: Everything You Need to Know

Want to learn how to paint new plaster properly? You’re in the right place. Our guide has all the skills and techniques to ensure a perfect finish every time.


Painting new plaster is one of the more fun DIY jobs. The smooth surface means the paintbrush glides across the wall easily and often gives a great finish. But there are a few expert tips to take it to the next level.


Follow our simple tips for painting new plaster and you’ll have no worries about the quality of your paintwork and get professional results. From preparing the surface to applying the right paints we’ll walk you through the key steps to get your new plaster looking its best.


rum med röd vägg och röd stol

Preparing Materials for Painting New Plaster


To prepare new plaster for painting you’ll need:


  1. Emulsion Paint for the Mist Coat: You’ll be mixing this emulsion paint with water to make the mist coat primer. Make sure to choose a paint that can be thinned with water.

  2. Water: Mix the emulsion paint with water 3:1 for the mist coat.

  3. Dust Sheets: Lay down dust sheets to protect your floors and furniture from the mess.

  4. Decorator’s Tape or Masking Tape: Use this to mask off any trim, fixtures or fittings you don’t want to paint.

  5. Topcoat Paint: This is the final paint you’ll be applying over the mist coat. Choose a good quality paint for the room and your desired finish.

  6. Paintbrush or Roller: You can use a brush or a roller to apply the mist coat, but rollers will be quicker but messier.


Having all this in place will make the actual painting much easier. Take the time to prepare the space and mix the mist coat before you start painting the new plaster. This upfront work will pay off with a professional finish that will last.


4 Steps to Painting New Plaster

When it comes to painting new plaster there are a few key steps to get the best results. Let’s go through them:


Step 1: Let it Dry

comparing wet and dry plaster

First of all you need to let the new plaster dry out completely. During this time the plaster will lighten in colour and any damp spots will disappear leaving you with a dry surface.

You can speed up the drying process by using a heater or opening windows to get some airflow. Don’t paint on wet plaster or you’ll get adhesion problems and peeling paint later on.


Step 2: Mix the Mist Coat

A mist coat is a thinned-down emulsion paint that acts as a primer. It gives the topcoat something to key into. Or you can use a water-based primer.

To make a mist coat mix 3 parts emulsion paint with 1 part water as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The mist coat should be fully blended with no water separation.


Step 3: Apply the Mist Coat

You can apply the mist coat with a roller or a brush. Rollers are quicker but messier, brushes are slower but less splattery. Work in smooth upward strokes to get even coverage.

Make sure to address any drips or streaks as you go as the thin mist coat will dry quickly and leave an uneven finish. Leave the mist coat to fully dry before moving on to the topcoat.


Step 4: Apply the Topcoat

Once the mist coat is dry you can paint the topcoat as normal. You don’t need to sand the wall as you’ve already done the prep work.

Paint the topcoat in a V shape for even coverage. Depending on the paint and colour you may need to apply multiple coats for the best results. Check out our guide on professional wall painting techniques for more info.

By following these steps, letting the plaster dry, applying a mist coat and then painting the topcoat you’ll be set up for a smooth, even and long-lasting paint job on new plaster.


How Many Mist Coats Are On New Plaster?

When it comes to painting new plaster the general rule of thumb is to apply one mist coat. One coat of thinned-down emulsion paint is usually enough to seal and prime the freshly plastered wall.

But if you have some paint left over and don’t plan on plastering any more walls you can add a second mist coat. Just make sure to leave 24 hours for the first coat to dry before applying the second.

But don’t feel you have to do a double mist coat if you don’t want to. One well-applied coat is usually all you need to prepare the surface for the topcoat.


Can You Use A Roller For A Mist Coat?

When it comes to applying the mist coat you have a few options. Using a roller is the quickest way but it’s also the messiest. The watered-down paint can splatter and make a bigger clean-up job.

If you want a cleaner process a paintbrush is generally the better choice. It allows more controlled application and minimises drips and splatters.

Alternatively, if you have a paint sprayer you can use that to apply the mist coat evenly across the new plaster. This does require extra equipment but will give you a professional finish.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that the new plaster is sealed and primed, whether that’s one or two mist coats. With the right prep, you’ll be on your way to a faultless paint job on your newly plastered walls.


Take Professional Help From Painter Adam

Of course, if you don't feel confident tackling the painting of new plaster yourself, you can always call in the experts. At Painteradam, we offer professional painting and renovation services throughout Ireland.

painter adam hompage webiste

We have a team of verified, highly skilled tradespeople and we can handle the entire process - from the initial plaster prep to the final topcoat, ensuring a flawless finish every time. We offer next-day availability and provide online price estimates in just 2 minutes, making the process of hiring professional help seamless.


With over 10,000 completed jobs and a reputation for excellence, Painter Adam is a trusted partner and can take the stress out of painting new plaster. So if you don’t want to DIY and have the pros handle it, you can achieve the beautiful, long-lasting results you desire, get your quote here. 


Conclusion:

Preparing new plaster for painting is a crucial step that can make all the difference between a professional long-lasting finish and a disappointing one. By following the steps in this guide - letting the plaster dry, applying a mist coat and then rolling or brushing on the topcoat - you’ll ensure the paint adheres and looks its best.

While there are a few decisions to make along the way like how many mist coats to apply or what applicator to use, the most important thing is to take your time and do the job right. Skipping any of these critical prep stages will lead to problems down the line like peeling paint or uneven coverage.

By investing a bit of extra time upfront you’ll be rewarded with a smooth, even and beautifully painted finish that will last for years to come. And lastly, you can also take help from professionals in the industry. 

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