How to Paint New Plaster
Painting fresh, new plaster is a little different than painting a typical wall. You have to make sure you prep the new plaster first before painting so you get the exact finish you want. This easy-to-follow guide will show you exactly how to paint new plaster, so check it out below!
Table of Contents
What Tools Do I Need to Paint New Plaster?
Below is a list of the tools that you will need to paint over new plaster:
- Dust sheets
- Paintbrush or roller
What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Paint New Plaster?
In order to protect your clothes from becoming covered in paint, it is recommended that you wear overalls to protect yourself from splashes or drips.
What Materials Do I Need to Paint New Plaster?
Below is a list of the materials that you will need to paint over new plaster:
- Emulsion paint
- Water
- Topcoat paint
How to Prepare for Painting Over New Plaster
To prepare for painting over your new plaster, you must first ensure that the plaster is completely dry. It is recommended that once you have finished plastering an indoor wall you should wait at least a week before attempting to paint over new plaster.
You can buy paints that are specifically designed for use on plaster. Alternatively, you can also paint over your plaster using a matt emulsion paint that has been watered down, by mixing around three-parts paint to one-part water.
How to Paint New Plaster Yourself
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to paint over plaster:
Step 1
Ensure that your plaster is completely dry before you decide to paint over it. If you notice any dark patches, this is usually a sign that it's not completely dry yet and that you should wait a little bit longer.
Step 2
Mix together a mist coat made of watered-down emulsion which can act as a primer. The extra moisture in this mist coat will absorb into the wall and will make it much easier for your topcoat to stick. It's also important to ensure it has been evenly applied - which can sometimes prove harder when you have decided to plaster a ceiling.
Step 3
Check edges, corners, and joints for any uneven plaster. Apply a suitable primer or protective coating to exposed metal, such as corner beads, fasteners or steel joists, to prevent rust and ensure a smooth finish.
Step 4
Apply the mist coat in an upward motion until you have covered the entire wall. Mist coats can drip quite easily, so be sure to keep checking and paint over any drips or runs so that they don’t dry and ruin the finish of the wall.
Step 5
Wait at least 24 hours for the mist coat to dry, as exact drying times can depend on conditions such as temperature and humidity.
Step 6
You can now apply your topcoat on top of the mist coat. For best results, you should apply more than one coat.


