Q. Just had the wall around the bathtub area repaired and there is quite a large area that has new plaster. I purchased an oil base primer as recommended and after getting home discovered it says I must wait 90 days before sealing. Is it really necessary to wait that long?
A. New plaster will not hold paint well. It contains a great deal of water that must completely evaporate before paint can be applied.
The moisture can cause blistering, bubbling and loss of adhesion. Also, new plaster is highly alkaline, which also can affect adhesion. The process of letting the alkaline and water leach out is known a curing.
Let new plaster cure at least 30 days before a primer is applied. More humid environments require additional curing time.
A moisture meter can be used to check moisture content.
Never paint a surface when there is more than 12 percent moisture content.
When the plaster is completely dry, use a high grade oil base primer. Any high quality finish coat can be applied over the primer.
For tips from James and Morris Carey, go to www.onthehouse.com or call 800-737-2474, ext. 59.
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