Plasterboard - why paint over it?

Suzkin

Hi,

Apart from aesthetics, is there any other important reason for actually *painting* plasterboard?

A carpenter is in the process of lining the inside cupboard under the stairs, with plasterboard. The gas & electric meter are in there also, and I'm intending to store things there such as ironing board. I'm trying to conserve costs, and was wondering how necessary it would be to do this job?

The same question applies to skimming over the plasterboard, and I would be interested in opinions on this.

Thanks

jc808

If its not going to be seen you could tape and joint it then paint

Or even leave it bare

ormus

why leave it bare when the paint will probably cost all of 2 quids worth.

27col

I would not think that aesthetics need enter into any decisions about the inside of an under-stair cupboard. If the cost of painting the inside of a small cupboard is likely to be an expense problem, then you have other considerations to be concerned about. "Necessary" is not one of the criteria for the job either. If you don't want to do the inside of the cupboard then don't. It is entirely up to you. I doubt whether the stair cupboard style police will be along any time soon.

olias

I'm afraid I agree with Ormus, if you can afford to employ a carpenter, you can afford a few quid for paint. If you are really that skint, then most people have spare unused paint in their garage, so just ask a friend/relative/neighbour and they'll probably be happy to give you some.

I'm guessing due to the work being done that you own this home? If so, then it's an investment as well as a home. For the sake of a few quid, you'll be leaving it looking like a cheap unfinished poor DIY job.

Olias

lagi

You won't be able to wipe down plasterboard very well as the paper will get all wet and start to peel. A coat of paint will protect it somewhat and if you went for a nice cheap white it would lighten the cupboard better than grey.

pinkmami

It would annoy the hell out of me knowing it hadn't been painted! As another poster mentioned I'm sure someone out there would have some paint left over in their loft/garage you could take off their hands.

martinthebandit

From your description of where its fitted probably not, but generally a skim and paint will protect the plaster board and increase its lifespan.

Unfinished plaster board is much more susceptible to damage from dirt, dust and damp.

So, in my opinion, you don't have to do it but, for the cost and work involved I would fill the joints and paint it.

mazzab_2

If painting plasterboard you should use at least 2 coats - the first should be a "mist coat" of (any old cheapo) matt emulsion thinned 50/50 with water as the board will soak up the paint like a sponge. The mist coat is a cheap way of getting this "out of the way" and also provides a much better surface for the finish coat (with undiluted better quality matt or silk emulsion) to bond to, meaning the job will look better and last longer! This is pretty much standard practice for most competent painter & decorator types AFAIK.