A mist coat is a watered-down emulsion paint applied to new plaster to seal it and prevent the final coat of paint from peeling off.

How To Paint New Plaster

Q: Why is sanding necessary before painting?

Sanding helps to smooth out any imperfections and provides a better surface for the paint to adhere to, ensuring a flawless finish.

Q: Can I use any type of paint for the mist coat?

You should use a contract matt emulsion paint that can be watered down. The manufacturer will tell you if it can be watered down on the back of the tub.

Q: How long should I wait before applying the final coat of paint?

After applying the mist coat, allow it to dry completely – around 24 hours – before applying the final coat of paint. The surface may feel dry long before this, but it's best to give the plaster enough time to absorb all the moisture it can before applying the top coat.

Q: What tools do I need for painting new plaster?

Essential tools for painting new plaster include a filling knife, sandpaper, mixing paddle, paint scuttle, paintbrush, and a 12-inch paint roller.

Painting new plaster is not just about slapping on a coat of paint; thorough preparation and well-researched technique is needed to achieve a perfect finish. In this guide, we walk you through a tried-and-tested method to prepare and paint new plaster, so you’ll get a beautiful and long-lasting result in no time.

Essential Tools & Equipment

Filler

Filling Knife

Sandpaper

Contract Matt Emulsion

Step 1: Put On Safety Gear

Painting plaster is a messy job, and watered-down paint will easily get in your eyes.
Put some safety goggles on and protect the surfaces with protective sheets.

Step 2: Prepare The Plaster

Before you begin, ensure that the plaster is completely dry, indicated by a uniform light colour without any dark patches.
Start by identifying and filling any discrepancies or trowel marks on the plaster using a filling knife and filler.

Step 3: Sanding the Surface

Once the filler is dry, sand down the imperfections using a 180-grit sanding mesh to prevent clogging, which is common with sandpaper.
Use a pole with a sanding head for ceilings and a hand sander for walls to make the process more comfortable.

Step 4: Mixing the Mist Coat

Prepare the mist coat by mixing a 50:50 ratio of water and contract matt emulsion paint using a paddle mixer.
Many manufacturers will advise a 10:1, 70:30 or 60:40 ratio of paint to water, so it’s best to start with less and add more as you go along.
Mix the solution using a drill with a paddle attachment in a large bucket or paint scuttle to achieve a watery consistency, like a very thin soup.
The paint should quickly and freely drip off your paint brush.

Step 5: Applying the Mist Coat

Apply the mist coat around the edges or covings around the wall using a paintbrush.
Follow up with a 12-inch roller to cover larger areas, ensuring an even application.
Apply a second coat after 24 hours if necessary for better coverage, but one coat should be fine as long as you’ve got the ratio right.

Step 6: Apply The Top Coat

Once you’ve applied the mist coat and waited about 24 hours for it to dry, paint the walls as normal.
Our How To Paint A Wall guide is here to help when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mist coat?

Why is sanding necessary before painting?

Can I use any type of paint for the mist coat?

How long should I wait before applying the final coat of paint?

What tools do I need for painting new plaster?

Have You Seen?

How To Paint A Wall

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