Painting freshly plastered walls

[garrymum]

Hi guys

Currently mid way through our ensuite re-furb and my mind has turned from plumbing to painting. All walls and ceiling have been skimmed and is now fully dry (plastered about 3 weeks ago).

I am thinking of taking the opportunity whilst no shower enclosure / toilet / basin / vanity unit are installed to give the ceiling a lick of paint, also may paint the walls where we are not tiling.

What is the best method for painting fresh plaster? How many coats will be required? Do I need mix some cheap emulsion with PVA (50-50) for the initial base coat?

TIA

 

[Robbie uk]

Dont use PVA. Use some matt emulsion watered down by about 20% and give a "mist coat". This will seal the raw plaster and stop it being too absorbent for subsequent coats. Next coat thin by about 10% and last coat can be a full coat.
Much easier to do this when the bathroom suite is out. Once you have the mist coat on you can check the walls for any filling and give a gentle rub down if needed. Dont be tempted to rub the walls down with no paint on as this will scratch the plaster.

 

[garrymum]

Dont use PVA. Use some matt emulsion watered down by about 20% and give a "mist coat". This will seal the raw plaster and stop it being too absorbent for subsequent coats. Next coat thin by about 10% and last coat can be a full coat.
Much easier to do this when the bathroom suite is out. Once you have the mist coat on you can check the walls for any filling and give a gentle rub down if needed. Dont be tempted to rub the walls down with no paint on as this will scratch the plaster.

Thank you. First mist coat is on. How long before 2nd coat can be applied.

 

[rssteve]

probably less than 2hrs