Painting over painted plaster walls involves careful preparation and the correct application of primer and paint to ensure a smooth, durable finish. A key step is using the right primer, especially one suitable for plaster.
Steps for Painting Over Painted Plaster Walls
Successfully painting over existing paint on plaster walls requires several steps, starting with thorough preparation.
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Preparation is crucial for a good outcome.
- Clean the Walls: Wash the walls with a mild detergent solution to remove dirt, grease, and grime. Rinse well and allow the walls to dry completely.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for cracks, holes, or peeling paint. Plaster walls, particularly older ones, can be prone to damage.
- Repair Imperfections:
- Scrape away any loose or peeling paint using a paint scraper.
- Fill cracks and holes with a suitable patching compound for plaster.
- Allow the compound to dry according to manufacturer instructions.
- Sand the repaired areas smooth until they are flush with the surrounding wall surface.
- Dust: Wipe down the walls to remove all sanding dust.
Step 2: Apply Primer
Applying the correct primer is vital for plaster walls, particularly when painting over existing paint or repaired areas.
- Primer Choice: Plaster walls prefer an oil-based primer, which can block water stains from showing through. Oil-based primers are excellent at sealing porous surfaces and preventing stains from bleeding through the new paint layers. It will also seal out any moisture, which is key when dealing with plaster.
- Application: Apply the primer evenly using a roller for large areas and a brush for edges and corners.
- Drying Time: Allow the primer to dry completely before painting. This may take a few hours, depending on manufacturer instructions. Ensure the primer is fully cured for optimal performance.
Step 3: Paint the Walls
Once the primer is dry, you can apply your chosen paint.
- Choose Your Paint: Select a high-quality interior paint in your desired finish (e.g., flat, eggshell, satin).
- Application: Apply the first coat of paint using a roller, working in sections. Use a brush for cutting in along trim, ceilings, and corners.
- Second Coat: Depending on the color change and the paint's coverage, a second coat is usually necessary for a uniform and opaque finish. Allow the first coat to dry completely according to the paint manufacturer's instructions before applying the second.
Step 4: Finishing
Clean up your tools and enjoy your newly painted walls!
Summary Table: Key Steps
| Step | Action | Importance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Clean, inspect, repair, sand, dust | Ensures a smooth, stable surface | Addresses imperfections and creates a clean base. |
| Apply Primer | Choose and apply appropriate primer | Seals surface, blocks stains, improves adhesion | Plaster prefers oil-based; allows sufficient drying time. |
| Paint the Walls | Apply paint (usually two coats) | Provides color and final finish | Use quality paint and follow manufacturer instructions for drying. |
| Finishing | Clean up | Maintains a tidy workspace | Proper disposal of materials. |
By following these steps, paying special attention to the preparation and priming stages, you can successfully paint over painted plaster walls, achieving a fresh, durable look.
