Surface preparation

Surface Preparation

 

The following guidelines apply to the Avko Interior Matt Emulsion and Feature Wall paint finishes.

It is essential that you ensure that both wall and ceiling surfaces are sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, grease and any other contamination before applying our products. Most paints will highlight rather than disguise any flaws and irregularities that are in the under surface.

 

New Plaster -

A newly plastered wall should be allowed to dry thoroughly before it is painted and decorated. It is recommended that newly plastered walls are left for a minimum of 4 weeks although the time needed for drying depends on many factors, including the thickness of the plaster and surrounding temperature, so it may need more or less time than this. Once plastered it is essential that the walls are checked for any bumps or marks, which would then need to be sanded down. Any new plaster will need to be primed before applying paint. If painting a newly built house, it is advised that you wait around 12 months before carrying out this work, as this gives the building and plastered walls time to settle.

 

Old Plaster –

The preparation needed for old plaster is mainly dependent upon the condition of the surface. If the plaster is clean and dry then it will require no preparation. However, if the plaster is powdery it will need to be treated with a coat of plaster sealer. If the whole wall is like this then it may be more time/cost effective to re-plaster the entire wall. Once the old plasterwork has been prepped it can then be primed.

 

Painted Plaster –

Any existing paintwork should be washed down first before applying the new paint. By washing the paintwork any traces of dirt and grease can be removed. Any gloss painted walls or semi-gloss must be rubbed down with sandpaper to provide a key for the new paint.

If existing paint is flaking in areas then all the flaking paint will need to be removed and then repainted.

For emulsion paint, a good tip is to apply an undercoat or matt finish primer before applying any new paint as these will adhere to the gloss and accept the paint.

 

New Plasterboard –

Any new plasterboard needs very little preparation. All that is needed is for the plasterboard to be checked is that any filling of joints has been done and that the filler used has been allowed sufficient time for curing. New Plasterboard then needs to be primed. The type of primer you use will be dependent on the paint product you are using.

 

Old Plasterboard-

It is essential that any old plasterboard is checked for cracks, pits and bumps, before any primer is applied.  Like new plasterboard you should prime old plasterboard before painting.

 

Distemper coated surfaces –

Distempered walls are usually found in old houses – distemper is an early form of whitewash, which was normally made from powdered chalk or lime and size. Distemper is easily identified it is soft and dusty when touched and will start to come off the walls.

It is not suitable for modern paints to be applied on top of distempered paint. We recommend removing any distemper paint by using a similar processes to removing wallpaper, such as softening and then scrapping off or using a wallpaper steamer. 

 

Papered surfaces –

If your walls are wallpapered you may be able to paint on top of it, providing it is in sound and in good condition. This can save time and avoids exposing the wall surface which may need a lot of work. Any vinyl, washable or wipeable wallpapers will need to be removed before applying paint to the wall. If you are unsure, it is recommended you try painting a small area to see how the paint adheres.

If you are in any doubt about the suitability of painting a particular type of surface, you should test it by painting a small area in an inconspicuous place and then leave to dry for a few days.