Hi, we’re remodeling our old farmhouse. We’ve had new blueboard and skimcoast plaster (not sheetrock) put up in a room (walls and ceiling). How long should I wait before priming and painting? I get lots of different answers, but it seems like folks settle in at one month.
Any advice on the best primers for plaster?
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From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.
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Replies
It seem like the installer can answer better than anyone on the forum. Luck.
Not a direct answer to your question, but there's some good information in this thread: http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=49808.1
There is moisture entering reaction in the plaster. That gives off heat that can react and interefere with your paint bond. You want to be sure it is cured, That can happen in ten days or it can take more than a month.
This is crucial when we used oil base, because ity would always blister off if applied over wet plaster. Latex is more forgiving, but you still want it cured and dry first. That generally takes about a month
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Go to Home Depot and read the label on a bag of Uni-Kal plaster. If I'm not mistaken, the bag says 2 weeks (though I know a builder who says 4 days should be fine).
Welcome. Hopefully you can find some good answers here. It can be a lively place.
For this question I'll give one of my standard answers; follow manufacturer's directions. Most paints specify how long to wait before applying to new plaster. Many are around 30 days, but are different for different formulations.
I recommend avoiding oil based primers and paints. There is no good reason to use them, and for alkaline materials such as plaster and concrete, they are unsuitable. The alkali in the material causes the oil in the paint to saponify which will lead to poor adhesion.
Generally acrylic and latex primers are recommended for plaster.
I would look for a primer that specifically mentions suitability for plaster on the label and wait at least as long as the label recommends.
Thanks everyone. Nothing on the bag, but the Website FAQ from National Gypsum (uni-kal) says the following. Posting for the next guy who asks :)
How long after the application of a gypsum veneer plaster must I wait before painting can begin?
Under good drying conditions, veneer plaster may be painted 48 hours after application. It is essential that veneer plaster be sound and completely dry before painting. Alkali-resistant primers specifically formulated for use over new veneer plaster will permit decorating with oil or latex type paints.
Note: Conventional lath and plaster systems require a 30-day drying time before painting.
It takes an average of 2-3 days for the drywall to dry when coated, while the plaster takes 4 to 6 days.
No matter what material you have used, it is advisable to wait at least a week before painting a new plaster.
Do you think 13.5 years is long enough?
Yes of course 13.5 is log enough.
To my knowledge, an installer can better answer than anyone.
There are so many factors that effect plaster cure times that I’ve never found a set time limit that applies every time. I get a 12”x12” piece of clear plastic and tape it to the plaster, sealing it on all sides. When the plaster quits sweating behind the plastic, it’s safe to paint. This has been my method for 20 years and I’ve never had paint issues. I only use Sherwin Williams Loxon masonry primer for plaster