Here's how to paint a freshly plastered ceiling, focusing on the initial steps crucial for a good finish.
Painting a plastered ceiling involves preparing the surface, applying a crucial first coat, and then finishing with your chosen paint.
Painting a new plaster surface requires a specific approach to ensure the paint adheres correctly and you achieve a smooth, even finish. Unlike painting over old paint, fresh plaster is highly absorbent and needs to be sealed effectively before standard paint is applied.
The Importance of a "Mist Coat"
When painting fresh plaster, the first coat applied is known as a "mist coat". This isn't just an optional step; it's essential.
- What it is: A mist coat is standard emulsion paint (typically a water-based matt emulsion is recommended) that has been diluted with water.
- Why it's needed: Fresh plaster quickly absorbs liquid. Applying undiluted paint directly can cause it to dry too quickly, preventing proper adhesion and potentially leading to cracking, peeling, or an uneven finish. Diluting the paint allows it to soak into the plaster slightly, creating a strong bond for subsequent coats.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to paint your freshly plastered ceiling:
- Preparation is Key:
- Ensure the plaster is fully dry. This can take days or even weeks depending on thickness and conditions. It should be a consistent, light colour with no dark patches.
- Clear the room as much as possible.
- Cover the floor and any remaining furniture completely with dust sheets or plastic sheeting.
- Use masking tape to protect walls, coving, light fixtures, and any other areas you don't want to paint.
- Mix Your Mist Coat:
- Take your chosen paint (a standard matt emulsion is ideal for the mist coat) and water it down 50:50. This means equal parts paint and water. Mix thoroughly.
- Apply the Mist Coat:
- Using a roller (a medium or long pile is suitable for ceilings) and a brush for edges, apply the diluted paint to the ceiling.
- Work in manageable sections. Roll or brush the paint onto the surface evenly.
- Be prepared for splatter! Applying this watery mix to a ceiling can cover you and the surrounding area (hence why it's called a "mist" and why covering everything is vital). Get some protective specs or eyewear to protect your eyes.
- Allow to Dry:
- Let the mist coat dry completely. Check the paint tin for drying times, but typically this takes a few hours. Ensure the room is well-ventilated.
- Apply Undiluted Paint:
- Once the mist coat is dry, you can now paint the ceiling with your chosen paint colour undiluted, as normal.
- Apply the paint using a roller, cutting in the edges with a brush.
- Apply paint evenly, working back into wet edges where possible to avoid roller marks.
- Apply Second Coat (if needed):
- Depending on the paint coverage and desired finish, you may need a second coat of undiluted paint.
- Allow the first coat of undiluted paint to dry completely before applying the second.
By following this process, particularly using the 50:50 mist coat as the first step, you ensure the paint properly adheres to the fresh plaster, giving you a durable and professional-looking finish.
