How to paint new plasterboard walls – preparation

For a Level 5 finish:

1. Sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper to remove trowel marks and high points. This may not be required if the plasterer has already done this for you as part of their contract.

2. Apply Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal (D807) (refer to note 2c)

3. Sand using 220 grit sandpaper and wipe off sanding dust with a damp cloth.

For a Level 4 finish:

1. Sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper to remove trowel marks and high points. This may not be required if the plasterer has already done this for you as part of their contract.

2. Apply Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer (D403).

3. Sand using 220 grit sandpaper and wipe off sanding dust with a damp cloth.

Wet areas, bathroom, kitchen or laundry:

1. Sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper to remove trowel marks and high points. This may not be required if the plasterer has already done this for you as part of their contract.

2. Apply Resene Waterborne Sureseal (D42a) (refer to note 4).

3. Sand using 220 grit sandpaper and wipe off sanding dust with a damp cloth.

For recommended topcoat systems, choose what room you are painting (room flowcharts)

Notes:

1. Plasterboard is produced in several differing grades. Some are reinforced for added bracing strength, have additional waterproofing for wet areas or are thicker to provide soundproofing or added fire resistance. While the paper face of the wallboards is straightforward to paint, most issues occur because of the differences between the plaster stopping and the wallboard paper.

2. The quality of the wall linings are measured on a scale of 0 to 5, a measure of how smooth and blemish free the wall is, which determines where the wall linings should be used. The better the surface finish the higher the cost.
   1. 2a. Level 3 is used under textured coatings and heavy wallpapers, such as Anaglypta.
   2. 2b. Level 4 is the most common recommendation on painted walls where a low sheen or flat finish is to be used. However, the joints will be highlighted in critical light conditions, of if strong colours are selected
   3. 2c. Level 5 is the best finish and usually requires a plaster skim coat and greater attention to detail when fixing the sheets. Use Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal to improve the surface. It will approximate a Level 5 finish, but it does not have the same thickness as a trowel-applied plaster. A second coat could be applied.
   4. Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal is recommended in critical light situations and where gloss or semi-gloss paints or strong colours are selected.

3. Plasterboard stoppings will need a light sand using 220 grit sandpaper. This will generate a lot of dust, so if practicable, use a vacuum sander.

4. Solventborne Resene Sureseal (D42) could be used as an alternative to Resene Waterborne Sureseal however a light sand will be needed to remove nibs and paper wicks from the surface.

Key accessories essential to complete the job

• 38-50mm PAL Legend, Basil Hybrid or MacGyver brush and/or cutting in brush
• PAL No.15 Hi Solids Roller Sleeve for Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal
• PAL No.1 Sleeve for Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer
• PAL No.7 Sleeve for Resene Waterborne Sureseal
• Roller handle and tray
• Good quality extension pole, we recommend the MacGyver Boss extension pole
• Sika Fill That Gap (gap filler)
• 220 grit sandpaper
• Yellow washi (multipurpose) masking tape (for light switches and painted skirting boards)

Add-ons – to make the job easier or quicker

• Drop cloth
• Pole sander (if a large renovation project is underway) or consider using a vacuum sander

Products to use

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Painting guide for interior rooms   How to paint your home