Can you fix paint on wet plaster?

What happens if you accidentally paint on wet plaster? Is there a way to fix this problem? Let's find out.

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Painting on wet plaster is not recommended. If the plaster is not fully dry, painting over it will trap moisture between the plaster and the paint, eventually causing the paint to flake and peel off.

So, can you fix paint on wet plaster? We'd say no. If you have ended up with paint on wet plaster, what should you do? Keep reading to find out.

Can you fix paint on wet plaster?

If you've got paint on wet plaster, in most cases, we're sorry to say, time is not going to be a healer.

It's highly likely you'll be left with a patchy wall where the damp areas are and unsightly peeling paint. Painting the wall again is not going to help either.

The remedy? Unfortunately, the paint needs to come off.

What you'll need to fix paint on wet plaster:

• A dehumidifier (preferable, to speed up the process)

• Dust sheets

• A paint scraper

• Fine-grit sandpaper

• A paint kettle

• Matt white emulsion

• Water

• A roller

• Your chosen wall paint

How to fix paint on wet plaster

1. Put a dehumidifier in the room to dry the paint out. As it dries it will start to peel and crack

2. After laying dust sheets to protect the surrounding area, use a scraper to carefully remove the peeling paint, trying not to damage the fresh plaster beneath

3. Next, use a fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth finish

4. Once the wall is completely dry, apply a mist coat. Do this by diluting three parts matt white emulsion with one part water in a paint kettle. It should be a sloppy consistency

5. Sometimes, two applications are needed, with adequate drying time between each coat

6. The following day, once the mist coat is completely dry, go ahead and apply your chosen wall colour

The basics of freshly plastered walls

Before painting freshly plastered walls, the plaster must be completely dry and properly primed:

• A freshly plastered wall takes between two to five weeks to dry completely

• You'll know when the plaster's dry because it'll have an even, pale pink colour with no darker patches

• Once dry, a mist coat (made of diluted matt white emulsion) must be applied before you paint your wall with your chosen wall colour

Find experienced painters and decorators near you

We know how frustrating it can be when a DIY job doesn't go to plan and how hard it can be to muster the motivation to strip it back and start again.

Luckily, we have a directory full of approved tradespeople able to help. To find a reliable and experienced painter and decorator near you, simply add your postcode to the search box below.