painting plaster wall

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This plaster skimmed wall is in the under stairs cupboard, it is smooth bare plaster, been like that for about 10+ years  

I want to paint it with Dulux brilliant white.  

Do I need to prepare the surface with a first coat of anything or just go straight on with the paint? 

What paint should I use for the job? 

Thanks

FreeBear

Give it a mist coat first (usually 50:50 water & emulsion). Once it has dried, slap on a top coat or two.

donemedosh

You can go for a mist coat or use a primer / sealer (Zinsser bullseye 123) either will do. But I like the finish when you use the sealer as it will hide some of the inperfections

aoleks

a primer would give you a perfect end result. apply generously and paint afterwards. 2 coats is enough, the second one after the first one dried (at least 4-5 hours). leave it to dry properly and it will look amazing.

this is a good primer and the local homebase will have it in stock (they sell smaller bottles too):

https://www.homebase.co.uk/unibond-super-pva-jerry-can-1l/12809970.html

NSG666

Some will say ok to seal with PVA (as in post above) but more will say don't let PVA anywhere near it. These pro's on Youtube use it a lot c. 5% PVA in water.

What You Need To Know About PVA! - YouTube

davemorton

Im definitely in the dont use PVA camp.  Just water down some emulsion and give it a couple of coats,  The second coat less watered down than the first. 

kipsterno1

I was very impressed with Screwfix's bare plaster paint.

neilmcl

We're talking about the inside of an under stair cupboard, no need for expensive primers or specialist paint to get the perfect finish, @FreeBear's advice was the correct one, a simple mist coat of the emulsion followed by a couple of undiluted coats of the same.

Belenus

neilmcl said:

We're talking about the inside of an under stair cupboard, no need for expensive primers or specialist paint to get the perfect finish, @FreeBear's advice was the correct one, a simple mist coat of the emulsion followed by a couple of undiluted coats of the same.

Yes, but Harry Potter will be living there so a good finish is important.

Ben1989

I'm in the no PVA club, also. Plaster is not something you want to seal. Then your paint is adhering to the PVA, not the plaster. I'm not sure there's clear evidence on the subject, however.

Ordinarily I would advice heavily against No Nonsense Bare Plaster Paint which is essentially a mist coat you can make yourself but if it's a small area might be a moot point.

If doing a mist coat ensure it is a paint that can be watered down (refer to the back of the tub). You'd be surprised but not all white paint can be watered down.

DRP

Another no to PVA. I've never used it and had no issues, whereas forums seem to be full of people with issues after using PVA.

Mist coat with diluted white emulsion or bare plaster paint have both been fine for me.