Plasterboard, also known as drywall or wallboard, is a well-used building material in the world of construction for creating walls and ceilings. It creates an even and smooth finish, but many people wonder, can you paint straight onto plasterboard, and if you can, what are the dos and don’ts?
Simply put, yes, painting straight onto plasterboards is definitely an option. Painting directly onto plasterboard can save you time and money on getting a plasterer to plaster the wall. However, there are important things to consider.
There are many factors that need to be considered prior to painting plasterboards to ensure an aesthetically pleasing and durable finish.
Factors to consider before painting plasterboard
Below are the factors to consider when you paint plasterboard
The location of the plasterboard
When it comes to standard plasterboard, high moisture levels can cause damage to the board. Therefore, the boards would need to be skimmed prior to painting to protect the boards from water damage. If you are painting plasterboard in a space prone to getting wet such as the bathroom, a waterproof paint might be the best option. Moisture-resistant boards are also recommended for this location.
The Function of the Space
Rooms such as hallways or play areas are high traffic areas prone to wear and tear. In these circumstances durable paint should be considered to avoid scuffs and stains forming. Skimming may be considered in hallway spaces to avoid chips and digs to the plasterboard itself.
Choosing the right product
To achieve the best finish the products must be right for the space. For example, is the plasterboard designed for the area it is being installed and is the paint type correct for the method of application and space. Some areas may require anti-mould paint, and some areas may require a specialised board.
What are the benefits of using plasterboard?
Plasterboards are a must have when it comes to building and construction and come with a wide range of benefits.
Cost-effective
Plasterboards are a budget friendly building material that offers excellent value for money. It is an ideal option for residential and commercial properties and is cheaper than traditional plaster if painting directly. It is also cheap and easy to repair if damage should occur.
Quick to install
One big advantage of plasterboard is how quick they are to install which will reduce construction time. They are lightweight and easy to handle and transport and straight forward to cut. The boards can be quickly fixed to metal or timber framing systems.
Plasterboard Ranges
There are many different types of plasterboards designed to meet every installation requirement. The different options include standard plasterboards, soundproof plasterboards, fire-resistant plasterboard, moisture-resistant plasterboard, insulated plasterboards, and vapour panels.
Finishing Options
There are a number of ways to finish plasterboards depending on the type of board, including painting, wallpapering, textured finish, tiling, skim coating and so on.
How to Paint Plasterboard
Skimming and Filling
Start by checking the drywall surface for damage such as holes, chips, or dents. Any imperfections will need to be repaired with joint compound or filler as well as any fixing holes from screws. If the board have joints, they need to be taped with scrim tape and then filled. The filler is then left to dry. Should the filler dry uneven with a ‘rough’ texture, sandpaper may be required to create a smooth and flawless surface ready for paint.
Cleaning and Priming the Area
To prep the wallboards, get a wide soft brush and brush off any dust from the wall. Then gently wipe with a damp cloth (a wet cloth can cause water damage). Ensure when the surface has been cleaned of dust and that the room is thoroughly hoovered. This will avoid dust sticking to the paint and leaving unwanted textured areas in the paintwork.
A mist coat can then be applied, which is 30% water and 70% paint, which will seal the surface and prevent other coats of paints being absorbed into the wallboard.
Paint the Wall
Choose the right paint for your space. Start by painting around the board’s edges and corners. Neatly paint around windows, doors, coving, skirting, and sockets. A roller can then be used to paint the rest of the wall. Once dry, add another coat, and then a third if required to achieve the best results. Leave to dry completely before furnishing the space or adding finishing features to the walls such as photographs or shelves.
Do You Have to Skim Plasterboard?
Not all plasterboards require skimming before painting. However, it is recommended to apply scrim tape and skim the boards first with filler to achieve a seamless and longer lasting finish. If the boards are not skimmed, the edge of the plasterboards and plasterboard joints may be visible even after painting.
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