New build - painting

alice_kate_2

Hi all

I am moving into a new build next week and the booklet says we aren't able to paint for 9-12 months. Why is this? What would happen if we painted earlier?

Thanks

Doozergirl

You will experience some shrinkage cracks as the plaster hardens and the house settles.

It's okay to paint and paper, really, but you might need to be mindful that some touching up will probably be required with caulking in the gaps. Make sure you keep plenty of paint leftover. It's unlikely, but paper could tear.

Presumably, if you are asking the builder to repair things like this, they would only want to repair snags with the magnolia paint on the walls. I think it's a backside covering excercise for them, personally. If you have snags, they're not going to want to take responsibility for expensive decorative finishes.

Personally, I'd decorate. If something happens it might need doing again but I'd rather that small chance than live with magnolia to keep the builder happy.

scottishblondie

You'll be ok to paint, but don't wallpaper. I'm nearly 2 years in my new build and I've still got some movement going on. If I had papered in some places it would definitely be ruined by now!

Furts

If your new home has traditionally plastered walls there can be a considerable amount of moisture to dry out before they are suitable for decorating. This will be less if the home is dry lined.

I have experience of new homes with plastered walls where the window cill boards are pooling with water and it is running down the walls in little trickles. This a couple of months after moving in.

Hence there are two issues - do not paint too soon, but do not turn the heating up high or it will cause problems. The drying out should be steady, slow and controlled - hence the nine month guideline given to you.