How to paint on to new and bare plaster: Our guide to a flawless finish!

So, you’ve got fresh, gorgeous plaster and you’re itching to unleash your inner artist with our paints! But wait… do you really need to jump through hoops with primers and special treatments?

The good news is that with our interior emulsions the answer is NO. Forget the extra steps, we’re all about simplifying your decorating journey with our guide to a flawless finish.

But, as with any good paint job, there are a few insider secrets to unlock that perfect finish. Think of it as a little TLC to ensure your walls look stunning for years to come.

1. Is Your Plaster Ready?

◦ Gypsum Plaster: Good things come to those who wait! Standard gypsum plaster needs a few days to dry completely. Here’s the kicker: you can actually apply our Claypaint immediately! Its unique formula is ready to roll. For our Lifestyle Emulsion and Ecopro Matt White, give the plaster ample time to dry.

◦ Lime Plaster: Lime plaster needs a bit more love. Allow a generous drying and curing time – roughly 4 weeks for every 5mm of thickness.The only interior paint we recommend for lime plaster is our Claypaint. Its exceptional breathability is perfectly compatible with lime’s unique properties, allowing the wall to breathe naturally.

2. Wall Prep

Once you’ve confirmed your plaster is dry and cured, it’s time for a little pampering:

◦ Check for Stability: Ensure the surface is sound, stable, and ready to receive its colourful makeover.

◦ Dust: Some older plasters (especially those that have been stripped back to reveal unpainted lime plaster) can be a little dusty. In these instances, we suggest using our Wall Glaze. This will stabilise the surface while still allowing the wall to breathe.

◦ New: Good news…most new plaster surfaces won’t need any treatment.

3. Dampen and dilute

Ready to start painting? Here’s the magic formula:

◦ Dampen the Wall: This is the secret to a smooth, even finish. Use a water spray bottle (our personal favourite), a damp cloth, or a lightly dampened roller. There’s no need to fully saturate the wall, just a light dampening is fine which helps the paint to adhere beautifully.

◦ Mist Coat:  Dilute your first coat of paint, this is called a “mist coat” with 10% water. This is especially important with our wonderfully thick and creamy Claypaint. Diluting the first coat will help the paint flow easily, prevent the plaster from sucking up the moisture too quickly, and create a great base for your final colours.

◦ Finally… Apply a full coat of your chosen finish, and you’re done! In most cases, this will be more than sufficient for covering new and bare plaster.

A lady painting a wall.

And That’s It!

Painting new plaster with our paints doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these simple tips, you can achieve a stunning, consistent, and eco friendly finish that you’ll be proud of.

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