Ask an expert

Get free help from our community of tradespeople

Painting newly skimmed walls

Posted by Diane Rimmer, on
I have recently had several rooms newly skimmed which I intend to paint. However have received conflicting advice as to whether should use "watered down" pva prior to painting as it will prevent the paint cracking. Advice please : "to pva or not to pva that is the question".
Rhys John Bottriell

Rhys John Bottriell

Hi Diane, Do not use PVA prior to painting as this will create a seal between paint and plaster and will only make the paint peel. The steps to follow would be to water down some white paint and use this as a base coat on the newly plastered walls. Wait for this to dry and then you can go over the base coat with your desired colour/paint with 2-3 coats as you would normally. If you do not feel competent to use watered down paint you can also go to B&Q where they sell off the shelf plaster paint which will be the base coat and no watering down will be required. However this option may be a bit more expensive. Hope all this helps RJB Construction Quality, Honest & Reliable Building work Specialist in Plastering and Decorating.
(16) Was this helpful?
Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith

Hi Diane, i fully agree with Rhys, you should not apply P.V.A as it will create a barrier for the paint, you actually want the opposite to happen ie, the thinned base coat(white matt emulsion) to penetrate the new plaster, and then your desired colour and finish. A.L.SMITH DECORATING SERVICES. EST 1980
(4) Was this helpful?
Tony Michael

Tony Michael

hi diane,wickes do the best paint for fresh plaster for a miss coat and then two coats of chosen colour is the way to go.i have been usin it for years and definitely the best stuff.
(3) Was this helpful?
Michael Emery

Michael Emery

I use a mixture of pva/emulsion for miss coat before applying to further coats of a good quality vinyl matt emulsion, alternatively Wickes do a very good new plaster paint. Do not put silk paint directly on to new plaster Mick Emery Emery Painters Decorators
(2) Was this helpful?
paul collins

paul collins

50/50 emulsion definitely, and don't leave it too long. Dry plaster will start absorbing moisture if it's left un sealed.
(1) Was this helpful?
Brian Joseph Lenehan

Brian Joseph Lenehan

Hello... I would think that the skim has had pva added when applied so you would not have to use it. The first coat of emulsion should watered down by about a third then two subsequent coats applied to achieve a super finish. Thank you B J Lenehan
(1) Was this helpful?
Michael Day

Michael Day

hi Diane, Don,t PVA walls as this will seal the new plaster use a 50/50 mix of emulsion and water this will soak into the new plaster and then finish with normal emulsion. Mike
(1) Was this helpful?
Michael Tucker

Michael Tucker

Hello Diane, Fist coat mix with water half and half this will then be soaked into the new plaster, then continue with 2 coats of your desired paint. Regards Michael
Was this helpful?
sean jefferies

sean jefferies

hi diana use watered down paint 50/50 mix and apply 2no coats to secure a long lasting seal to the new plaster then apply a neat coat and another if needed. thanks sean
Was this helpful?

What would you like to do now?

Find more questions Create my Job

Expert opinions

Projects that add value to your home - Phil Spencer

Looking to extend your home but don't know where to start? Property expert and Rated People ambassador, Phil Spencer, shares some thoughts on why loft conversions are such a popular way to create more living space and add value to your home.