New plasterboard needs a coating system suited both to the board face and to the jointed areas. Agree the preparation and the finish before painting starts — an attractive colour on its own does not define how the joints and the repaired areas will end up looking.
What is in the job and what is not
Ask whether the quote covers board installation or only preparation and painting. These are two separate tasks and are often done by different trades. Mark unfinished joints, screw positions and damaged areas for assessment, and describe the lighting that the room will actually use.
Why a joint shows after painting
The filler over a joint absorbs paint differently from the board's paper face. If that difference is not equalised with primer, the line of the joint shows on the finished wall as a change in sheen — an effect that is especially visible under light arriving from the side. This is why priming is not optional here.
How to choose the substrate treatment and primer
New drywall is porous; the manufacturer's primer guidance explains the role of priming it. The selected products must suit both the board and the repaired areas. Primer is usually applied in one coat and covers roughly 8-10 m² per litre.
What should be agreed in advance
The specification carries these six points:
- The preparation products and the finishing paint.
- The required appearance and a sample area.
- Drying intervals between preparation and painting.
- Dust and unfinished repairs addressed before coating.
- The level of joint finishing and the result to expect from it.
- Who approves the work and how comments are recorded.
What conditions are needed
Filler and primer are usually applied between +5 °C and +30 °C, with humidity below 80%. Finishing filler goes on in thin passes of about 1 mm and is then sanded with 120-180 grit paper. After priming, paint normally follows 2-4 hours later.
Why a sample area helps
A sample should include a board joint and the neighbouring face. Seeing both together gives the customer and the painter a concrete reference. Record whether additional preparation is needed before the finish is extended to the whole room.
How to measure walls and ceilings separately
A plasterboard ceiling is not included in wall area. Use the calculator for a rectangular room and measure unusual shapes separately. To discuss the relevant part of the job, read about ceiling painting or surface preparation.
This general guide was prepared with AI assistance. Technical sources are linked in the text; the specific product instructions and an assessment of the property take precedence over general examples.
