Painting in your new home: where do you start?
You have the keys to your new home. The walls are bare, the air smells of fresh concrete, and you are eager to get started. But when is the best time to paint? And how do you approach it wisely?
Why timing matters so much in new-build homes
New-build homes go through an intensive drying process in the first months after handover. Concrete, masonry and gypsum fibre boards release moisture. If you paint immediately after receiving the keys, you may be painting over a wall that is still damp.
The result can be paint that adheres poorly, blisters in the paint layer and visible moisture marks. That is not only unattractive, but also costly to repair.
Our recommendation: wait at least 4 to 8 weeks after handover before you start painting. In the meantime, ventilate the home well, open the windows in dry weather and keep the heating at a moderate level.
Preparation: the key to a clean result
Good painting starts with good preparation:
Check the substrate: Is there still loose lime or gypsum? Is there cracking? Are there irregularities? All of these points must be repaired before the paint roller comes out.
Sanding: Newly handed-over walls are rarely perfectly smooth. Light mechanical sanding creates an even substrate that bonds better.
Primer or renovlies: Painting directly on bare new-build walls can result in patchy coverage and suction marks. A primer or renovlies provides better paint adhesion and a more even final appearance.
Masking: Frames, skirting boards and ceiling trims are taped off professionally for sharp transitions.
Which paint is best for new-build homes?
For new-build homes, we recommend class 1 latex wall paint, also known as a premium or washable finish. This type of paint is:
- Easy to clean if something bumps into the wall or splashes on it
- Vapour-open, so residual moisture can leave the wall
- Available in all RAL colours
- Suitable for use over renovlies
Matt paint looks beautiful but is less wear-resistant. For living rooms and bedrooms, matt or silk gloss is fine. For hallways, kitchens and bathrooms, we recommend a higher scrub class.
How many coats are needed?
On renovlies, one coat of quality latex is usually enough if you choose a white or light colour. For darker colours or special tints, a second coat may be needed for full coverage.
On untreated bare walls, two coats are always recommended. The first coat soaks in and the second coat creates the final appearance.
Do it yourself or outsource it?
Painting looks simple, but professional work is very different from a DIY job. A professional painter works with better equipment, notices irregularities that would otherwise become visible later, and works faster and cleaner.
Especially when renovlies and painting are combined in one project, it pays to leave everything to one party. That avoids disputes about responsibility if the result is disappointing.