New plasterboard looks ready to paint — it never is. The paper liner and the joint compound absorb differently: without a primer, every taped band reappears as a ‘ghost' under the paint. The full method.
The order of coats
The rules
- Drywall-specific primer is mandatory: it equalises the liner/compound absorption and saves a finish coat. A budget acrylic primer is enough; skipping it always costs more.
- Check before painting: raking light on the joints (see joint tape) — paint hides nothing, it reveals.
- Conditions: 10-25 °C, no draughts, humidity < 70 %.
- Gear: 10-12 mm microfibre roller, cut in the corners by brush BEFORE rolling, work wet-on-wet one full wall at a time.
Which finish for which room?
| Finish | Look | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Matt | Hides defects, barely washable | Ceilings, adult bedrooms |
| Eggshell | Slight sheen, washable — the best compromise | Living room, bedrooms, hallways |
| Satin | Tough, washable, highlights defects | Kitchen, bathroom, woodwork |
And the site order: paint before the final floor — the rule and its exceptions in the order of works.