Yes, you can paint on plasterboard.
The ability to be able to paint directly onto plasterboard is a big benefit to using plasterboard in your decorating process. Although, to get the best finish most homeowners hire a plasterer to apply a skim coat of plaster first before the painters begin.
General purpose plasterboard is commonly used in new build properties and renovations to create stud walls and ceilings.
It can be applied directly to brick or cement, or built into a fixed frame to create new spaces.
Can you paint straight onto plasterboard?
Standard plasterboard is made up of a layer of gypsum (a type of plaster), sandwiched between two layers of paper.
If plasterboard is used in areas more prone to moisture such as bathrooms and kitchens it will need a skim layer of plaster before painting as it is not waterproof enough for these areas alone.
Before painting it is very important to prepare the plasterboard correctly:
- Walls should be cleaned of any dust or debris
- Any cracks or holes should be filled in
- A skim coat of plaster applied if needed
- A priming mist coat should be applied
Joints between plasterboard should be paid particular attention to, and be aware of any raised screw heads that may need gently sanding down. Any imperfections should be smoothed over to ensure a consistent surface.
If you don’t want to paint yourself expect to pay upwards of £400 for a small simple room to be painted. If you opt to have the room skim plastered before painting, again expect to pay in the region of £400 for a small simple room to be skimmed.
A mist coat is typically made using one part water to two parts emulsion, and is liberally applied. It serves as sealant for the plasterboard and a base before the paint is added in coats.
As with any decorating job, when walls are prepped and ready, your choice of coloured paint will need more than one coat to ensure a long-lasting finish, and ample drying time should be left between each coat.
Alternatively lining paper can be used to create the smooth surface required to ensure any paint does not absorb into the porous material of the plasterboard.
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