Why should I avoid dark colours in the bathroom?

There are many reasons not to choose a darker colour for your bathroom, especially if it’s small. A darker colour will absorb all light coming from any direction and make the space feel compact.

How many colours are best for a bathroom?

Three colour options are perfect for a balanced blend. While one colour should be light, one should have a rich tone, and the last one must have an accent.

Which paint option is best for a small bathroom?

A high-gloss finish is the top choice, which makes your space look larger. The properties of glossy material keep the shine for years and minimise the cost of paint repairs.

Does painting bathroom ceiling the same colour help?

When you paint the ceiling with the same colour as the walls, it creates an illusion of extra space. So, it’s a trick to consider when you’re renovating your small bathroom.

Do You Need a Plasterboard Primer

Plasterboard Priming: A Comprehensive Guide

Plasterboards are a popular choice for many homeowners for their smooth finish. However, due to their highly absorbent nature, painting them requires a specific approach to ensure that the paint adheres properly. Whether you need a primer to paint your plasterboard is a frequently asked question. In today’s blog, we will explore the question and delve into all the possibilities on the subject. Let’s begin!

Is Primer Needed for Plasterboard Painting?

Yes, you need a plasterboard primer in most cases. As we have mentioned, the plasterboard has an absorbent nature; it can absorb the paint and create uneven patches on the wall. This will not only compromise the durability but also badly hamper the aesthetics of your room. The primer will create a sealing layer over the plasterboard and facilitate proper adherence to the paint.

However, in some cases, you do not need to prime your plasterboard. We have discussed this in detail below.

When You Need a Plasterboard Primer?

There are some situations that demand a primer coat on your plasterboard. These situations include the following:

Before Painting a New Plasterboard

New plasterboard is a porous material. It can lead to patchiness since it will absorb the paint, especially if you are using a matte paint or an emulsion. A primer coat will seal the surface and ensure even paint adhesion.

Before Applying Wallpaper

If you are applying wallpaper on your wall, you will need to prime the plasterboard to ensure it does not soak up all the moisture from the adhesive. Otherwise, it will weaken the adhesive and prevent it from creating a strong bond with the wallpaper.

If the Plasterboard Has Been Taped & Jointed

The compound that is used to join the plasterboard comes with a different texture. The primer will ensure uniform absorption and create an even surface to receive the paint.

When You May Not Need a Primer?

There are certain cases where you may not need a primer coat for your plasterboard, such as:

When You are Using Self-Priming Paint

Some trade paints are marketed as self-priming, meaning they contain built-in primers for better adhesion. These can save time by eliminating the need for a separate primer coat.

If You Have a Pre-Primed Plasterboard

Certain plasterboards come factory-sealed with a primer layer, ready for painting without additional prep. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm whether priming is necessary.

For Temporary or Low-Budget Projects

For short-term fixes or budget constraints, skipping primer might be acceptable despite minor imperfections. The finish may appear patchy or require extra paint coats to cover flaws.

Why Do You Need a Plasterboard Primer?

Seals the Surface: Fresh plasterboard is porous and will absorb paint unevenly. A primer seals the surface, preventing patchy or blotchy finishes.

Improves Adhesion: It helps the topcoat stick better, making your paint job last longer.

Enhances Appearance: Primer evens out the texture and sheen, so the final coat looks smooth and uniform.

Reduces Paint Usage: Without a primer, you’ll need more topcoat to cover the board evenly.

What Is a Mist Coat?

A mist coat is a thin, diluted layer of water-based emulsion paint applied to bare plasterboard as a primer. It acts as a sealer to prepare the surface for proper paint adhesion. It soaks in the plasterboard, creating a sealed base and helps the paint to adhere properly. A mist coat is relatively cheaper than the primers and can serve as a suitable substitute as well.

How to Apply Primer?

Step 1: Gather the Tools & Materials Needed

Below is a list of the tools and materials that you may need to add a primer coat on your new plasterboard:

Primer
Roller & tray
Paintbrush
Sandpaper
Dust mask & goggles
Clean cloth/tack cloth

Step 2: Prepare the Plasterboard

Make sure that the plasterboard surface is dry, clean and clear of any dust. You can use a tack or damp cloth to wipe the dust off the plasterboard. If you have skimmed your plasterboard, sand the rough patches slightly to make the surface even.

Step 3: Mix the Primer

If you are using a ready-made primer, you can use it as it is on the wall. Do not dilute the primer unless specified by the manufacturer. If you are planning to use a mist coat, mix 3 parts of paint and 1 part of water and mix the solution properly.

Step 4: Apply the Primer

Using a brush, apply the primer along the corners, wall and ceiling edges, sockets and other edges. After that, you can use a roller or paintbrush to prime the surface. Use overlapping “W” or “M” strokes to ensure the primer is even applied.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Primer may need 2-4 hours to dry. The time may vary depending on different primer types. Once it is dry, you can sand any raised fibre if you need to. After that, wipe the dust away with a tack cloth. If your plasterboard still looks patchy, add a second coat of primer.

Wrapping Up!

Primer is generally needed to paint on a bare plasterboard due to its porous nature. You can find a range of primers in the market. You can also use a mist coat instead of a primer, which is a thinned coat of paint. We have discussed the application process in detail to help you. You can hire the experts from Platinum Paints if you need to paint your new plasterboard.