5 June 2026
Fresh plaster looks great, but it pays to treat it correctly before you decorate. Rush it and you can end up with flaky paint or patchy colour. Here is how to give new plaster the best start.
Plaster needs to dry right through before painting, and how long that takes depends on the thickness, the room and the weather. As a guide it can be several days to a couple of weeks. The colour usually goes from dark patches to an even pale tone when it is ready.
The first coat on new plaster should be a watered-down mist coat, not neat paint. This soaks in and seals the surface so your top coats bond properly. Skipping it is the most common reason paint peels off fresh plaster.
Once the mist coat is on and dry, you can build up your normal coats of paint for a smooth, even finish. Take your time and you will get a wall you are really pleased with.
We are always happy to advise on aftercare when we finish a job, so just ask if you are unsure.
