Painting newly plastered walls

jlm29

Got two rooms in an old house plastered last week, and we are anxious to get those rooms finished and habitable ASAP! One was done last thur, and one on fri. They look dry, but just wondering if it's too soon to paint them this weekend? And if I do paint them, is a couple of coats of ordinary white emulsion ok to start with, followed by whatever colour we want on the walls?

sky6

it's recommended that new Plasterwork be left to dry for a minimum of 2 weeks before painting. Otherwise you're likely to get problems with your paint.
Don't use any polybond type products on the Walls. just a first coat of 60/40 White emulsion followed by another 80/20 then finish with any colour you choose.

i know it's annoying having to wait but quality work is always worth the wait.

jlm29

Thanks! I had a feeling I'd be told not to paint it yet! It's a shame, coz I have free time this weekend! I don't get this polybond vs no polybond debate I've seen on other threads. I will confess, I have no idea what polybond is! I heard the plasterer mention polybonding though, so I'd imagine it's used already, just not by me!

sky6

Polybond is just a brand name for PVA glue. it's made by different companies but is generally the same product. It's white and Glubby in the tub and you mix it to varying degrees with Water depending on what your using it for.
Like you I've just totally renovated our Bathroom, stripped it back to a shell then new insulated ceiling , plasterwork, paintwork, all new sanitary ware and new laminate Floor.
I also had to stand by and let the Plasterwork dry out naturally. Hard to explain to the wife why your not ploughing ahead to get it finished.
Anyway back to PVA glue. What it does is seal the surface. You could potentially seal in moisture if you apply it or paint too soon to the new plaster.
I'll be honest I've applied it before to plasterwork and it seemed to turn out ok.
But i wouldn't do it now after all I read online. There's plenty to read online as to whether you should use it or not. I came across a real expert who explained the various chemical reactions between different products like Plasterwork and my conclusion was don't use it on new plasterwork. Unfortunately I don't remember the link.
PVA glue is an excellent product but only when used for the right purpose.

jlm29

I've been reading a bit online too, and have come to the same conclusions. I think maybe the plasterer put a cost of polybond on the walls first, then plastered them maybe. He definitely polybonded something!

fussyonion

You must wait til the plaster is bone dry. If it's completely white and dry, go ahead, but I agree with a previous poster...wait around 2 weeks.
If it's any way dark in patches, it's still wet.