How to Paint Plastered Surfaces? [PDF]

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The painting of the interior and exterior surface of a building plays a vital role in improving the aesthetical appearance of the building. It increases the value of the building, protects it from natural elements, and stifles the repaired damages.

This article describes the procedure of painting a plastered surface.

Procedure of Painting a Plastered Surface

1. Preparation of Plastered Surface

1. The surface shall be adequately cleaned and dusted off. 
2. All rust, dirt, scales, smoke splashes, mortar droppings, and grease shall the thoroughly removed before painting is started.
3. The rooms and the entire building shall be swept out and cleaned up in advance.
4. The prepared surface shall have received the approval of the engineer after inspection before painting is commenced.
5. The painting of the external surface should not be done in adverse weather conditions like hail storm and dust storm.

2. Application of Paint (Paints, Oils, and Varnishers)

1. Before pouring the paint into smaller containers for use, the paint shall be stirred thoroughly and poured into smaller, manageable containers. At the time of application, the paint shall be continuously stirred in the smaller containers so that its consistency is kept uniform.
2. The paint shall be laid on smoothly and evenly by means of crossing and laying off.
3. The crossing and laying off is brushing the surface hard for the first time and then brushing alternately in the opposite direction for multiple times and finally brushing lightly in a direction at right angles with paint.
4. In the painting process, no brush marks shall be left after the laying off is finished. The full process of crossing and laying off will constitute one coat.
5. Where so stipulated, the painting shall be done by spraying.  Spray machine used shall be of the high-pressure type, or a low-pressure type, depending on the nature and location of work where the painting is to be carried out. 
6. Suitable thinner shall be added into the paint by skilled and experienced workers.
7. Spraying should be done when dry condition prevails.
8. Each coat shall be allowed to dry out thoroughly and rubbed smooth before the next coat is applied.
9. Each coat except the last coat shall be lightly rubbed down with sandpaper or fine pumice stone and cleaned off dust before the next coat is painted.
10. No hair marks and cloggings from the brush and paint puddles respectively in the corners of panels, the surface of the paint, and angles of moldings, etc.  shall be left on the work.

Painting with Cement Paints

1. Preparation of Mix

1. Cement paint shall be mixed in the quantities as can be used up within an hour of its mixing as otherwise the mixture will set and thicken, affecting flow and finish.
2. Cement paint shall be mixed with water in two stages. 
3. The first stage shall comprise of 2 parts of cement paint of one part of water stirred thoroughly and allowed to stand for 5 minutes.
4. The second stage shall comprise of adding further one part of water to the mix and stirring thoroughly to obtain a liquid of workable and uniform consistency. 
5. The lids of cement paint drums shall be kept tightly closed when not in use, as by exposure to atmosphere the cement paint rapidly sets due to its hygroscopic qualities.

2. Application of Cement Paint

1. The prepared cement paint shall be applied on the clean and wetted surface with brushes or spraying machine.
2. The solution shall be kept well stirred during the period of application.
3. It shall be applied on the surface, which is on the shady side of the building so that the direct heat of the sun on the surface is avoided.
4. The completed surface shall be watered after the day’s work.
5. The second coat of cement paint shall be applied after the first coat has been set for at least 24 hours.
6. Before the application of the second or subsequent coats, the surface of the previous coat shall not be wetted.
7. For new work, the surface shall be treated with three or more coats of waterproof cement paint as found necessary to get a uniform shade.
8. For old work, the treatment shall be with one or more coats as found necessary to get a uniform shade.

FAQs on Painting

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2. 14 Common Defects in Painting