New plaster needs a mist coat
Fresh plaster is porous. Put full-strength emulsion straight onto it and the paint film sits on the surface instead of keying into it, and it peels off with the masking tape. A mist coat — emulsion thinned roughly 70:30 with water — soaks in and gives the finish coats something to hold onto.
The plaster has to be dry first, which takes longer than most people expect. We will tell you when the room is ready rather than painting to the diary.
Preparation, then paint
Filling, sanding, caulking the gaps where walls meet trim, spot-priming bare patches, sealing stains so they do not grin through. That is where a decorated room is won or lost. The paint itself is the quick part.
Outside, the same logic applies with weather added: masonry gets cleaned down and treated for algae, loose or flaking coatings come off, bare wood gets primed, and we use breathable masonry paint on older solid walls so moisture can still get out.
What this covers
- Mist coats and finish coats on new plaster
- Full internal redecoration — walls, ceilings and woodwork
- Filling, sanding, caulking and spot-priming
- Stain blocking and damp-patch sealing
- Exterior masonry painting, including breathable systems
- Exterior joinery, fascias, soffits and front doors
- Colour matching to existing paintwork
- Protection of floors, fittings and furniture throughout
Common questions about painting.
Why does new plaster need a mist coat?
Fresh plaster is porous. A thinned first coat soaks in and gives the finish coats something to grip, so the paint does not peel.
How many coats will I need?
Two finish coats is standard over a sound, prepared surface. Going from a strong colour to a pale one usually takes an extra coat.
Do you paint exteriors as well?
Yes: exterior masonry, including breathable systems for older solid walls, and exterior joinery such as fascias, soffits and front doors.
Often needed alongside this.
Interior finishesPlastering & Skimming
Multi-finish skim over new board or existing walls, bonding coats on blockwork, and patch repairs that disappear into the wall.
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Building fabricRetrofit Works
Surveys, measure-by-measure costings and the works themselves, sequenced so fabric, ventilation and services do not fight each other.
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Interior finishesPainting & Decoration
The full decorating package: preparation, filling, caulking, papering, woodwork and a final check at the end.
View service →Get this priced.
Email contact@retrofitclicks.com with the address and a short description, or use the enquiry form. Building work is surveyed before it is quoted.