Plaster walls are beautiful and durable, and they can be painted with the same equipment you would use on drywall! You can make plaster walls look great with a fresh coat of paint from a newly plastered or an old damaged and ugly wall.
This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, with easy-to-follow instructions on how to paint plaster walls. You’ll need a few supplies and some basic knowledge of painting techniques. With a little elbow grease, you can paint your plaster walls and give them a whole new and fresh look!
- What You’ll Need:
- Step One: Prep the Room
- Step Two: Prep the Walls
- Step Three: Prime the Walls
- Step Four: Paint the Walls
- Step Five: Clean Up
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- What is plaster?
- What type of paint should I use on plaster walls?
- Can I texture over plaster walls?
- Can I just paint over existing paint on my plaster walls?
- Do I need to use a primer on my plaster walls?
- Do I need to sand the walls before I paint them?
- What kind of primer should I use on plaster walls?
- Do I need to do two coats of paint?
- Do I need to use painter’s tape?
- Do I need to mist coat old/new plaster?
What You’ll Need:
- Paint
- Paint primer
- 2-inch paintbrush
- Roller and tray
- Stepladder
- Sponge
- Bucket
- Water
- Soap
- Tarp or drop cloths
- Painter’s tape
- Putty knife
- Plaster patching compound
- Fine grit sandpaper(120-150)
- respirator mask
- extension pole
Step One: Prep the Room
The first step is always to prep the room before you start to paint your plaster walls. This means you will need to move all of the furniture out of the way and cover the floor with a tarp or drop cloths.
If you have any electrical outlets, you will need to remove the covers or tape around them with painter’s tape.
Make sure you have the proper lighting in the room as well. You will want to open any curtains or blinds and turn on all the lights so you can see any imperfections in the walls that need to be addressed.
Step Two: Prep the Walls
If your walls were painted before 1978 then it’s important to check for lead levels before you start sanding or stripping the paint.
You can do this yourself with a lead test kit, or you can hire a professional to come and do it for you.
If the paint contains lead then either hire a professional to do the prep work for you or take all the necessary safety precautions to do it yourself.
Once the walls are cleared, you can patch any holes or cracks with putty or joint compound with the putty knife.
If there are large holes you can spackle with hot mud that doesn’t shrink much. Allow the patches to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Sand the spackled areas, if the walls feel smooth to the touch then you can move on to the next step. If not, sand with fine-grit sandpaper (120-150) until the walls feel smooth.
Step Three: Prime the Walls
Once the walls are smooth and dry, you will need to prime them. This is an important step because it will help the paint adhere to the surface.
If the plaster is new, you’ll need to let it dry for 4-8 weeks, depending on thickness, before you prime the walls.
Now you’re ready to start priming!
Begin by cutting in around the edges of the wall with a 2-inch paintbrush. This means you will paint a 2-3 inch strip around the corners, ceiling, and baseboard.
Once the cutting in is complete, you can use a roller on an extension pole to paint the rest of the wall.
If you have cracks in the corners then use a caulking gun with an acrylic latex caulk when the primer is dry.
Pro Tip: You can use a paintbrush with some paint on it, or dipped in water, to smooth out the caulk.
Step Four: Paint the Walls
Now you’re ready for the top coat!
Use the same technique as you did with the primer, beginning with cutting in around the edges. Once that’s done, you can roll on the paint.
Have in mind that a less glossy paint finish will help to disguise any imperfections in the walls. If you see any imperfections then spackle, sand and paint those spots before you paint the whole wall.
You may need to do two coats of paint depending on the color you choose and how well it covers.
Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely before adding a second coat.
Step Five: Clean Up
Once the paint is dry, you can remove the painter’s tape and put all of the furniture back in the room.
Be sure to dispose of any leftover paint properly.
You can also wash your brushes and rollers with soap and water so they’re ready for next time!
FAQ
Questions might arise while you are going through the process of painting your plaster walls. Here are some answers to common questions to help you along the way.
What is plaster?
Plaster is a material that has been used for centuries to create smooth, durable surfaces. It is made from a variety of materials, including limestone, gypsum, sand, and clay.
When combined with water and other binders, these materials form a thick paste that can be applied to walls and ceilings. Once it dries, plaster hardens into a solid, yet flexible, surface making it an ideal material for both new construction and renovations.
Plastering is a skilled trade that requires careful planning and execution. Plaster walls and ceilings are often decorated with intricate designs or painted in bright colors.
In addition to its aesthetic value, plaster also provides good soundproofing and insulation. As a result, it’s an ideal material for use in both residential and commercial buildings.
Plaster also adds a unique aesthetic to any space. It can be painted or left natural, and it can be used to create a variety of different looks.
What type of paint should I use on plaster walls?
When it comes to painting plaster walls, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, because plaster is a porous material, it’s important to use a primer before applying paint. This will help to prevent the paint from being absorbed into the plaster, resulting in an uneven finish.
Second, while most types of paint can be used on plaster, latex paint is generally the best option. It is easy to work with and dries quickly, making it ideal for painting walls.
Finally, if the walls are subject to moisture such as in a basement, it’s important to use a paint that is designed for these conditions.
A silicate paint is an excellent option for this. This type of paint is also great for exterior brick, stone and concrete.
Can I texture over plaster walls?
Yes, you can texture over plaster walls. The process is similar to painting, but you will need to use a textured paint or apply a textured finish over the primer and paint.
If you are using textured paint, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Applying a textured finish is a bit more involved, but it can give your walls a unique look.
Can I just paint over existing paint on my plaster walls?
Yes, you can usually just paint over existing paint on plaster walls. However, it’s always a good idea to do a test patch first in an inconspicuous area to make sure the new paint will adhere properly.
Do I need to use a primer on my plaster walls?
A primer is not always necessary, but it’s a good idea to use one if the plaster is old or if you are painting over a dark color with a light one.
A primer will help the new paint to adhere better and provide better coverage.
Do I need to sand the walls before I paint them?
You should sand the walls before priming if it’s a glossy finish. If the walls are in good condition, you shouldn’t need to sand them before painting.
What kind of primer should I use on plaster walls?
A water-based stain-blocking primer is what I would use although an oil-based stain-blocking primer is superior the fumes aren’t worth it and it takes longer to dry.
Do I need to do two coats of paint?
A common question when it comes to painting is whether one coat or two coats of paint is necessary.
The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of paint being used, the surface being painted, and the desired results.
For example, if you are using high-quality paint with good coverage, then one coat may be all that is necessary. However, if you are painting over a dark color or an uneven surface, then two coats may be required in order to achieve a smooth and even finish.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether one coat or two coats of paint is needed is to experiment on a small section of the surface before painting the entire area. This way you’ll know if you need to get more paint or if you can get away with just one coat.
Do I need to use painter’s tape?
Painter’s tape is not required but can help you achieve clean lines when painting plaster walls.
Painter’s tape is a type of adhesive tape that is specifically designed not to damage surfaces or leave behind a sticky residue.
It’s also low-tack, meaning it can be easily removed without pulling up paint or damaging the surface underneath. For these reasons, painter’s tape is an essential tool for any painter, whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast.
Do I need to mist coat old/new plaster?
Untreated plaster can be very absorbent. A mist coat is simply a very diluted first coat of primer, usually 50/50 water and paint, which soaks into the plaster and provides a key for the second coat.
This will help to prevent the second coat from being absorbed too much, resulting in an uneven finish.
A mist coat also has the added benefit of sealing any dust that may be on the surface.
Conclusion To How To Paint Plaster Walls
There you have it! A step-by-step guide on how to paint plaster walls.
The process may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and elbow grease, you can have fresh new walls in no time.
Be sure to follow the steps carefully and use the proper safety precautions when working with lead-based paint.
Enjoy your newly refreshed room!
