Paint/plasterboard skim.

cosmowillie53

Some advice please.

How long should newly skimmed plasterboard be let dry before applying first
coat of paint.
Is it best to paint all new skimmed walls white first.
Should the paint be diluted and by how much for first coat.

Thanks.

scwazrh

Until its dry
wait until the skim is all the same light colour .within 24 hrs of skimming you should be able to see lighter patches on it , wait till the complete wall is the same lighter colour.
Yes do first coat white , mix the paint with water 50/50 and then you will see any filling or sanding that's needed.

cosmowillie53

Thanks.
Is it best to let dry by leaving doors/windows open rather than some heat.

scwazrh

Naturally drying out reduces the amount of cracks that you might get in the new skim at wall / ceiling corners but if you're in a hurry a dehumidifier will speed things up.

You will get a lot of moisture in the room as the water is escaping the skimcoat so even with the heating on I would keep a window open for ventilation.

cosmowillie53

That's grand. In no hurry so will let it do its drying out slowly.
Thanks.