Ethan Clarke
Painting plastic coving can be a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home. Coving is a decorative feature that bridges the gap between walls and ceilings and is usually made of plaster, polystyrene, or wood. Before painting, it is important to prepare the surface properly, fill any cracks or gaps, and apply a primer if needed. The type of paint and number of coats will depend on the material of the coving, with polystyrene being very absorbent and plaster often requiring a special plaster primer first. A mist coat of watered-down paint is also recommended for plaster coving to ensure proper adhesion. When it comes to the painting process, it is best to use painter's tape to avoid overspill and a medium-sized brush to apply the paint in small sections. Letting each coat dry completely before applying the next will ensure the best results. With the right preparation and technique, anyone can paint plastic coving and give their interior spaces a unique and elegant finish.
How to Paint Plastic Coving
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Water-based, high-quality, good coverage and adhesion properties, such as 'Farrow and Ball', 'Lick', 'Coat', or 'Little Greene' |
| Paint finish | Satin, semi-gloss, or matt |
| Paint colour | White, or any colour of your choice |
| Number of coats | 2 or more, depending on the material and colour |
| Primer | Recommended for plaster coving, and when painting over an existing layer of paint |
| Mist coat | Recommended for plaster coving |
| Brush type | Medium-sized nylon brush, smaller brush for intricate patterns, or a polyester brush for smooth surfaces |
| Preparation | Cover the floor and furniture with dust sheets, apply painter's tape to avoid overspill, fill any cracks or gaps with decorator's caulk or filler, wash with sugar soap solution, and sand lightly |
| Drying time | 2 hours between coats |
| Other tips | Use a spray machine for intricate cornice patterns, or to save time |
| Product recommendations | Zinsser Bullseye 123 primer, acrylic eggshell paint, Barrettine PeelAway, non-drip gloss |
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What You'll Learn
- Preparation: cover furniture and floors with dust sheets, and fill any cracks or gaps with caulk or filler
- Priming: apply a 'mist coat' of watered-down paint, then a primer, especially if covering a darker colour
- Painting: use a medium-sized brush, and apply paint gradually, working from small sections inwards
- Coats: leave each coat to dry for at least 2 hours, and repeat until you're happy with the finish
- Paint type: use a water-based paint with good coverage and adhesion, and consider sheen for lighting effects
Preparation: cover furniture and floors with dust sheets, and fill any cracks or gaps with caulk or filler
Before painting your plastic coving, it is important to prepare the space. Start by removing as much furniture as possible from the room. If there are any large pieces of furniture that cannot be removed, move them into the centre of the room, away from the walls and coving. Next, cover the floor and any remaining furniture with dust sheets. This will protect them from paint splashes.
After this, inspect your coving for any cracks, dents, or other signs of damage. It is important to fix these issues before you start painting. Use a suitable filler, such as decorator's caulk or Gyproc EasiFill, to fill any small gaps, cracks, or joints in the coving. Leave the filler as flush as possible with the surface of the coving to minimise the need for extensive sanding. If your coving is made of plaster, be aware that the surface is delicate and can be easily damaged by rigorous sanding with coarse sandpaper.
Once the filler is dry, use a damp cloth to lightly wipe down the coving, removing any dust or dirt. This will ensure that the primer adheres correctly and provides a smooth finish for the paint.
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Priming: apply a 'mist coat' of watered-down paint, then a primer, especially if covering a darker colour
Before you start priming, it's important to prepare the area. Remove as much furniture as possible from the room, and cover the floor and any remaining furniture with dust sheets. Next, use painter's (masking) tape on the wall just below the coving and on the ceiling just above to avoid overspill.
Now you're ready to apply your mist coat. A mist coat is a thinned coat of emulsion paint, mixed with water. This will help to seal the surface and create a perfect base for your primer. Apply this coat with a medium-sized nylon brush, working on small sections at a time to avoid over-saturation. If your coving has intricate indented patterns, use a smaller brush to dab the paint into crevices. Allow this coat to dry for at least 2 hours.
After the mist coat, you'll need to apply a primer. If your coving is made of plaster, you'll need a special plaster primer. Polymer-based materials are usually ready to paint, but it's still recommended to use a primer if you're painting over an existing layer, especially if it's a darker colour. This will ensure a smooth and even finish. Use a nylon brush to apply the primer, being careful not to wet the brush too much, especially with paper-coated coving, as this can cause drips. Leave the primer to dry for 2 hours before you start painting.
If you're using Zinsser Bullseye 123 as your primer, some sources recommend lightly sanding the surface with P180 sandpaper between coats. However, be aware that sanding plastic coving is not recommended as it will show scratch marks.
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Painting: use a medium-sized brush, and apply paint gradually, working from small sections inwards
Painting plastic coving can be a straightforward task, but it requires careful preparation and the right tools. Here is a detailed guide focused on the painting process, specifically using a medium-sized brush and working from small sections inwards:
Preparation:
Before you begin painting, ensure the plastic coving is clean and dry. Wash it with a sugar soap solution, rinse, and let it dry completely. If there are any cracks or dents, fill them with a suitable filler, and then lightly sand the coving. Remember, do not apply excessive force when sanding as plastic can show scratch marks.
Priming:
If your coving is made of plaster or you're painting over an existing layer of paint, especially a darker colour, it is recommended to apply a primer first. Use painter's (masking) tape on the wall just below the coving and on the ceiling just above it to avoid overspill. Then, use a medium-sized nylon brush to apply the primer in small sections, being careful not to wet the brush too much to prevent drips. Leave the primer to dry for about 2 hours before proceeding to paint.
Painting:
Use a medium-sized brush and dip it into your chosen paint, being careful to avoid spillage. Start painting from the edges if you've used masking tape, working in small sections inwards. If you're going freehand, start about an inch away from the corners and work your way towards the edges. Apply the paint gradually and in thin coats for the best results.
Let the first coat dry completely before deciding if another coat is required. If you need to add more coats, wait at least 2 hours between each application. Continue this process until you achieve the desired finish.
Paint Recommendations:
It is recommended to use a high-quality paint with good coverage and adhesion properties. Some suggested brands include 'Farrow and Ball', 'Lick', 'Coat', and 'Little Greene'. Water-based paints are generally easier to work with for DIY projects. If your coving is in a bathroom or an area with high humidity, consider using acrylic eggshell paint as it resists steam and moisture.
Final Thoughts:
Remember to take your time and work in small sections to achieve the best results. By carefully following these steps, you can effectively paint plastic coving and add a touch of elegance and personality to your space.
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Coats: leave each coat to dry for at least 2 hours, and repeat until you're happy with the finish
Painting plastic coving can be a straightforward task, but it requires patience and preparation. The number of coats you will need depends on the type of paint and the material of your coving. For example, polystyrene coving is very absorbent and will likely require several coats of paint to achieve a nice finish. On the other hand, paper-coated plaster coving typically requires fewer coats but usually needs to be pre-primed first.
Once you have prepared the surface by cleaning, sanding, filling any cracks, and applying primer, you can begin painting. It is recommended to use a medium-sized paintbrush and start with small sections, working gradually. If you are using masking tape to protect your walls and ceiling, you can start painting at the edges and work inwards. For intricate patterns or traditional cornices with high-relief detailing, use a smaller brush to dab paint into crevices.
After applying your first coat of paint, it is crucial to let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. This typically means waiting at least 2 hours, or even longer if the paint is not fully dry. Repeat the process of applying a coat of paint and letting it dry for at least 2 hours until you are satisfied with the coverage and finish.
The number of coats you will need depends on various factors, including the paint type, the coving material, and your desired finish. Some sources recommend two coats of paint, while others suggest continuing to add coats until you achieve your desired result. It is important to inspect your work after each coat and address any small areas that require touch-ups with an appropriate-sized brush.
Remember that using a high-quality paint with good coverage and adhesion properties will help ensure an even and effective finish. Thin coats are generally recommended for the best results.
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Paint type: use a water-based paint with good coverage and adhesion, and consider sheen for lighting effects
When it comes to painting coving, the paint type and finish you choose are crucial. Coving is commonly made of materials such as plaster, polystyrene, or wood, and each material has unique characteristics that influence the painting process. For instance, polystyrene is highly absorbent and may require several coats of paint to achieve a satisfactory finish. On the other hand, paper-coated plaster coving typically needs fewer coats but often requires a primer first.
To ensure a successful paint job on plastic coving, opt for a water-based paint designed for interior walls. Water-based paints are easy to work with and offer good coverage and adhesion, making them ideal for DIY projects. Look for paints with brands known for their quality, such as 'Farrow and Ball', 'Lick', 'Coat', or 'Little Greene'. These paints will give your coving a luxurious and elegant finish.
The sheen of your paint is another important consideration. Sheen refers to the level of light reflection on a painted surface and can range from matte to high-gloss. The amount of sheen you choose will determine how your coving interacts with light, either blending in or standing out. Matte finishes have the least sheen and will create a subtle, understated look. On the other hand, silk-style paints have the most sheen and will make your coving shine, quite literally. Consider the lighting in the room and the effect you want to achieve—a glossy finish can enhance lighting effects, making your coving a striking feature.
Additionally, a mist coat is recommended before applying your chosen water-based paint. A mist coat is a watered-down layer of paint that helps create a strong bond between the paint and the coving, reducing the likelihood of cracking, flaking, or peeling. This is especially important for plaster coving, which tends to be highly absorbent. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next, and remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
First, cover your floor and furniture with a dust sheet. Then, use masking tape or masking film around the coving and on the ceiling to avoid paint mismatches. If your coving is made of plaster, you will need to apply a special plaster primer first. If your coving is polystyrene, it is very absorbent and will need several coats of paint to get a nice finish.
You should use a water-based paint that can be applied to interior walls. If you want your walls to look taller, paint your coving the same colour. If you want to make a statement, use a contrasting colour. You can also use a mist coat, which is a watered-down coat of paint applied to fresh, dried, new plaster before you apply a standard coat of paint.
Use a medium-sized paintbrush to apply the paint, starting with small sections. If you have masking tape, start at the edges and work inwards. If you are going freehand, start an inch away from the corners and work your way towards the edges. Leave the first coat to dry for at least 2 hours before applying another coat.
