Materials Needed

White emulsion paint, Fine easy fill filler, Decorators caulk.

Step 1 : Mixing Paint

Because you're painting fresh plaster, you will need to water down the paint to a 5:1 ratio being 5 parts paint to 1 part water. Remember to only use either matt emulsion or silk emulsion type paint when painting fresh plaster and never mix the two types of paints together because if you do your end finish will be that of a maze like finish where the two paints have reacted together and caused them to break away and not bond together. Pour your paint and water into a fresh clean bucket and stir until you have a nice even consistency and no water is sitting on top of the paint.

Step 2 : Applying the first coat

Pour your paint into your paint tray and using a paint brush, wipe the side of the bucket as you stop pouring. Cover your roller sleeve with paint, wiping the excess of paint in the tray and start to apply to the fresh plaster. Using a smooth up and down motion, roll the paint onto the fresh plaster, spreading out evenly and making sure that there isn’t any runs, drips or excess paint on the surface. Using your 4inch paint brush apply paint to the edges of the surface, taking the same rules on board when doing so.

Step 3 : Fine filling the fresh plaster

Although you're painting fresh plaster, you will still need to snag the surface for any dips or cracks. Take your filling knife and fine fill filler and apply where it’s needed, making sure that you scrape off any excess filler as you go. Because you're using fine filler, it dries very quickly so give it 15 minutes to dry then grab your fine grade sand paper. If you're using sheet sand paper, fold this in half and then fold in half again and tear off one of the squares that you have just created. Hold the paper flat to the surface and start to rub down. At this point we recommend that you rub down the entire surface lightly making sure that you take off any small snots and bumps.

Step 4 : Caulking up

Pick up your decorators caulk and caulk gun and apply a thin bead of caulk around all of the internal angles of your surface. With a wet damp sponge and your finger you should push the caulk into the angle of the surface, making sure that you keep a steady hand and pressure when doing so. With your damp sponge, give the caulked area a light wipe over making sure that the caulk has been spread evenly.

Step 5 : Applying your top coats of paint

You’re now ready to apply your top coats of paint. Remember, in-between coats, follow the step of sanding down the surface with fine grade or even glass grade sand paper for a smooth professional finish.