Timings & drying
When can I paint new plaster?
Quick answer
Wait until the plaster is completely dry — an even, pale colour all over, which usually takes several days to a couple of weeks. Then seal it with a watered-down 'mist coat' of emulsion before your normal topcoats, so the paint bonds properly instead of peeling.
In more detail
Painting plaster too soon traps moisture and leads to flaking, so patience pays off. The plaster should be a uniform light shade with no darker damp patches before you start.
New plaster is porous, so the first coat should be a mist coat — emulsion watered down (often around 50:50) — which soaks in and seals the surface. Skipping this is the usual reason fresh paint peels off new plaster.
Once the mist coat is dry you can decorate as normal. We're happy to advise on timings for your job.
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