painting over newish plaster General decorating topics, questions and answers. find help, tips and advice on completing your decorating projects

[revinkevin43]

Just moved into a council house with some walls having been replastered, we have been told they were done over five months ago so do we still have to water down our first coat of emulsion or will two or three un thinned coats do the job without cracking, if we do have to water down is it best to thin some cheap white emulsion instead of the colours we have bought to save some money, the plaster is in good condition with no visible cracks, which way is best?.

[theshedman]

Hi, yes you will need to put on a mist coat or 2. If you don't then there is a chance that it may start to peel or crack. I would use something like a Dulux trade white or magnolia to seal the walls which will be cheaper than your topcoat but is still a decent emulsion. Choose the one that closely matches your finish colour. I personally don't like using very cheap paints. If you are wanting things to last then a couple of extra pounds now could save a lot later on. Good luck. Shed.