Plaster

Previously Painted/To Be Painted

a. Surface Preparation:

*NOTE: If lead is suspected in the paint, do not attempt to remove paint or scrape, sand, use heat gun, etc., which might put lead into the environment, but rather contact a contractor qualified for lead paint assessment and abatement

• very carefully remove any loose or peeling paint by gentle scraping; take care not to dig into or gouge the surface under the paint
• feather sand edges of remaining paint using fine grit (#220) garnet paper
• treat any mildew with a 3:1 water:household bleach mixture, leaving it on for 20 minutes and adding more as it dries; wear eye and skin protection; rinse thoroughly
• remove all dirt, hand prints, airborne cooking oil, etc. by scrubbing with detergent and warm water; rinse thoroughly

b. Priming:

• priming not essential if surface is clean, sound, and any gloss has been dulled; but any exposed plaster should be primed
• priming the entire job will provide best adhesion, uniformity of finish coat
• use high adhesion stain blocking primer if surface has been hard to stick to or there is surface staining
• otherwise use PVA latex wall primer

c. Painting:

• for best dirt resistance, durability and cleanability, use a top-of-the-line interior latex wall paint in flat, eggshell or satin finish, depending on appearance desired
• a satin finish will provide best dirt and stain resistance
• a medium line, dead flat latex wall paint will do well for hiding irregularities in the surface, and will touch up less noticeably than a paint with more sheen