Leo Martínez
Painting plaster coving in your living room is a great way to add a pop of colour and make a space your own. Coving is a decorative border between the interior walls and ceiling of a room and is usually made from polystyrene or plaster. It is often painted in neutral shades, but you can experiment with different colours to create a contemporary look. Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the room by covering the floor and any furniture with dust sheets or plastic tarps. You should also wear protective clothing, such as coveralls, gloves, and a mask. If your coving has not been painted before, you will need to apply a coat of primer and leave it to dry before painting. It is recommended to use a water-based paint with a semi-gloss or satin finish for a smooth and durable finish. You can use a medium-sized paintbrush to apply the paint gradually in small sections, working from the edges towards the middle. Depending on the desired finish, you may need to apply a second coat of paint once the first coat has dried.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Cover the floor with a dust sheet, move furniture, and cover other items with plastic tarps or sheets |
| Wear protective clothing, such as coveralls, gloves, and a mask | |
| Dust the coving to remove dirt and debris | |
| Apply masking tape or film to protect adjacent surfaces | |
| Inspect the coving for cracks or damage, and fill any gaps with caulk | |
| Wipe down the coving with a damp cloth to ensure a smooth finish | |
| Primer | If using plaster coving, apply a thin coat of plaster primer (e.g., Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3) and let it dry for about 2 hours |
| Paint Type | Use water-based paint that can be applied to interior walls (emulsion paints), such as matt emulsion, eggshell, silk, or soft sheen |
| Avoid high-sheen finishes like satin and gloss, as they are typically used for wood and metal | |
| Brush Type | Use a synthetic paintbrush that is appropriate for the size of the coving, including any intricate details |
| For wide coving with larger sections, a wide oval brush is recommended | |
| For traditional cornices with high relief detailing, use a smaller brush to reach crevices | |
| Painting Technique | Start from the edge of the coving, working towards the middle |
| Apply paint evenly in small sections, ensuring a smooth finish | |
| Leave the first coat to dry before applying a second coat, if needed | |
| Make the second coat thicker than the first but maintain an even finish | |
| Number of Coats | Coving typically requires 1-3 coats for a smooth finish, but you may be satisfied with 2 coats |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the room
Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the room to ensure that your belongings don't get stained or damaged. Start by removing any furniture and other large objects from the room. If there are items that are too heavy or difficult to move, cover them with plastic sheets, tarps, or drop cloths. Make sure to also protect your flooring by laying down an additional sheet.
Next, you'll want to prepare the coving itself. Start by inspecting the coving for any cracks or other signs of damage. Use a damp cloth to lightly wipe down the coving, removing any dust or dirt to ensure that the paint adheres correctly. If you're using plaster coving, you'll need to apply a special plaster primer first. Allow the primer to dry for about 2 hours before you start painting.
If your coving is made of polystyrene or other absorbent materials, be prepared to apply several coats of paint to achieve a nice finish. You may also need to fill any gaps between the coving and the wall or ceiling with caulk.
Once the coving is prepared, you can use masking tape or masking film to protect the adjacent walls and ceiling from accidental paint splatters. Apply the tape or film carefully along the edges of the walls and ceiling where they meet the coving. This will help create clean, straight lines and further protect your belongings.
Finally, make sure you have all the necessary tools and paint within easy reach. Since you'll be painting at a height, it's important to ensure that your workspace is accessible and well-organised.
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Prime the plaster coving
Before you start painting your plaster coving, it is important to prime it. Priming the plaster coving will ensure that you get a solid base to apply the paint. If you are using Orac coving, it comes pre-primed, so you can skip this step. However, if you are using plaster coving, you will need to apply a plaster primer.
To prime plaster coving, you will need to apply a thin but even coat of a general-use primer. A recommended primer for this purpose is Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3. You can use a paintbrush to apply the primer, ensuring that you use a synthetic paintbrush as you will likely be using a water-based paint. It is important to note that you should treat plaster coving the same as new plasterboard when priming.
Some people recommend applying a mist coat of diluted emulsion paint as a primer for plaster coving. This can help the plaster absorb the paint more evenly and prevent cracking and lifting. However, others argue that this is unnecessary and can create more work. Ultimately, the decision of whether to apply a mist coat or not is up to personal preference and the specific project requirements.
When priming, it is important to cover any objects that you do not want to be primed, including the floor. Use a dust sheet to protect the floor and apply masking tape or film to any areas you want to protect from primer. This will help you achieve a neat and precise finish.
Once the primer is applied, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step, which is painting your plaster coving.
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Choose your paint
When it comes to choosing paint for your plaster coving, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to select a colour that ties in with the overall appearance of your living room. This can help create a cohesive and elegant aesthetic. If you're looking for a subtle and neutral shade, lighter colours can make a small space feel more open, while darker shades can give a more intimate feel to larger rooms. On the other hand, if you want to make a statement, you can opt for bold and contrasting colours to form a striking border.
Another thing to consider is the type of paint you want to use. For plaster coving, it is recommended to use water-based paint, as this will be easier to work with for a DIY project. You can choose between different finishes such as matt, eggshell, silk, or soft sheen. A matt emulsion with a semi-gloss or satin finish can provide a smooth and durable finish. Additionally, a high-quality paint with good coverage and adhesion properties will ensure that the coving is evenly and effectively coated.
If you're painting new plaster coving, there are a few extra steps to consider. Firstly, let the plaster dry completely before painting. New plaster is porous, so it's important to apply a mist coat first to seal the plaster and ensure your topcoat adheres properly. The mist coat is a combination of standard emulsion paint and water, and it will help you achieve an even finish. You can apply the mist coat with a roller or a paintbrush, but be prepared for a messier process with a roller. Once the mist coat is dry, you can apply your chosen topcoat colour.
When choosing a paintbrush for your plaster coving, it's recommended to use a wide oval brush. This is the ideal shape for painting both the larger sections and the intricate details of the coving. If your coving is already installed, you can use masking tape or film to isolate the area you want to paint. Make sure to cover any furniture or valuables in the room to avoid paint splatters.
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Painting techniques
Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the room. Cover the floor with a dust sheet or tarp and move or cover any furniture and other objects to avoid paint splashes. It is also recommended to wear coveralls, gloves, and a mask. If this is your first time painting coving, apply a thin coat of primer and let it dry for about 2 hours. This will provide a solid base for your paint and ensure it adheres correctly.
When choosing a paint type, opt for water-based paint that can be applied to interior walls. Emulsion paints are best for coving, and you can choose from various finishes such as matt, eggshell, silk, or soft sheen. The type of paint you choose will depend on the level of sheen you want to achieve. If you want a more traditional look, match the colour of the coving to that of the ceiling. For a contemporary look, experiment with different colours and designs.
Use a medium-sized synthetic paintbrush to apply the paint. Start with the edges of the coving, working your way towards the middle. Apply the paint evenly in small sections, taking care to get into all the nooks and crannies. If you're using masking tape, start at the edges and work inwards. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat. You may need to apply 2-3 coats for a smooth finish, depending on the material of your coving.
For intricate details and traditional cornices with high relief, use a smaller brush to dab the paint into the crevices. If you notice any gaps between the coving and the wall or ceiling, you can use caulk to fill them. Finally, take a step back and inspect your work. If you're happy with the results, enjoy your freshly painted coving!
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Finishing touches
The finishing touches are just as important as the painting process itself. Before you begin painting, it is crucial to prepare the room to avoid any stains or damage. Remove furniture and other large objects from the room, or cover them with drop cloths or plastic sheets. Cover the floor with an additional sheet to protect it from paint splashes. Don't forget to wear coveralls, gloves, and a mask to avoid getting paint on your skin or inhaling it.
If your coving has cracks or gaps, use caulk to fill them and wait for it to dry before painting. A damp cloth can be used to wipe down the coving, removing any dust or dirt for a smooth finish. If your coving is made of plaster, apply a thin layer of primer first, such as Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3, and let it dry for about 2 hours.
When choosing a paint colour for your coving, you can match it to your ceiling for a cohesive look or experiment with contrasting colours for a contemporary feel. It is recommended to use water-based paint with a matt, eggshell, silk, or soft sheen finish. Apply 1 to 3 coats of paint, depending on the desired smoothness and the material of your coving. Start painting from the edges, working towards the middle, using small brush strokes with a steady hand.
Leave the first coat of paint to dry completely before deciding if a second coat is needed. If you're happy with the coverage, you're done! But if you notice any imperfections or gaps, use a smaller brush to perfect these areas. You can add repeat coats of paint, allowing each layer to dry for about 2 hours, until you achieve the desired finish.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to prepare the room before painting. Cover the floor with a dust sheet or tarp and move or cover any furniture and other objects to avoid paint splashes. If it is plaster coving that has not been painted before, apply a thin layer of primer and leave it to dry for 2 hours.
It is recommended to use water-based paint with a semi-gloss or satin finish for a smooth and durable finish. Emulsion paints are best for coving, which are water-based paints that can be applied to interior walls and ceilings.
Use a medium-sized, synthetic paintbrush and start painting from the edge of the coving, working towards the middle. Apply the paint evenly in small sections and leave it to dry before applying a second coat if needed.
