Old plaster walls are a hallmark of vintage homes, and they bring unique character and charm to any space. However, over time, plaster can become damaged, cracked, or worn. When it comes to painting old plaster walls, it’s important to choose the right paint to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish while protecting the surface.
We’ll explore the best paints for old plaster walls, including what to look for when selecting paint, how to prepare the surface, and tips for achieving the best results. Whether you’re restoring an old home or simply giving your space a fresh look, this article will help you choose the right paint for your plaster walls.
Why Is Painting Old Plaster Walls Different?
Plaster walls, especially those in older homes, require special care when it comes to painting. Unlike drywall, plaster has a porous surface and can be prone to cracking, chipping, and moisture damage. Over time, the plaster may absorb moisture, which can lead to peeling paint or bubbling.
Here’s why painting old plaster walls is different:
- Porosity: Plaster absorbs moisture, which can lead to problems like peeling paint. You need a paint that is breathable and capable of adhering to the surface without trapping moisture underneath.
- Cracking and Flaking: Old plaster is often fragile and may have cracks or chips. These need to be repaired before painting to ensure the best finish.
- Preparation: The preparation process for plaster walls is more involved than painting newer drywall. Proper cleaning, priming, and repair are critical for ensuring that the paint adheres properly.
What to Look for When Choosing Paint for Old Plaster Walls
When selecting paint for plaster walls, there are a few important factors to consider:
- Breathability: Plaster walls need a paint that allows the material to breathe. This helps prevent moisture from getting trapped, which could cause the paint to peel or blister over time. Choose a paint that allows vapor to pass through the surface.
- Finish: The finish of the paint will depend on the look you want to achieve:
- Flat or Matte: Best for concealing imperfections and creating a smooth, uniform finish.
- Eggshell or Satin: Offers a slight sheen and is easier to clean while still concealing imperfections.
- Semi-Gloss or Gloss: Provides a higher sheen and is more durable and washable, making it great for high-traffic areas, but it may highlight surface imperfections.
- Moisture Resistance: If your plaster walls are in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens, it’s important to choose a paint with moisture-resistant properties. This will help prevent issues like mildew or mold growth on the walls.
- Durability: Choose a durable paint that can withstand the wear and tear of daily life. High-quality paints will adhere better to plaster and last longer.
- Primer: Because plaster is porous, it often requires a high-quality primer to help the paint adhere and prevent moisture from affecting the finish. Be sure to use a primer designed for plaster surfaces to ensure long-lasting results.
The Best Paints for Old Plaster Walls
Now that you know what to look for in a paint for old plaster walls, let’s review some of the best options available.
1. Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint
Benjamin Moore Regal Select is a premium-quality, versatile paint that works well for old plaster walls. It provides excellent coverage, durability, and a smooth finish, making it one of the top choices for restoring plaster surfaces.
Key Features:
- Finish: Available in a variety of finishes, including flat, eggshell, and satin.
- Durability: Excellent durability, resistant to scuffing, staining, and wear.
- Breathability: Allows plaster to breathe while providing a long-lasting finish.
- Moisture Resistance: Offers protection against mold and mildew, which is essential for areas with high humidity.
Why It’s Great for Plaster Walls: Regal Select is designed to cover a wide range of surfaces, including plaster. The paint is formulated to withstand wear and tear, and its smooth, even finish is ideal for covering cracks and imperfections often found in older plaster walls.
Pros:
- Excellent coverage and hiding power
- Great for high-traffic areas
- Available in a range of finishes
Cons:
- On the pricier side compared to other paints
2. Sherwin-Williams Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex Paint
Sherwin-Williams Duration Home is a top-of-the-line, high-performance paint that provides excellent coverage and protection for old plaster walls. It’s known for its durability and long-lasting finish, making it perfect for older homes with plaster walls.
Key Features:
- Finish: Available in flat, eggshell, and satin finishes.
- Durability: Exceptional durability that resists wear, scuffing, and stains.
- Moisture Resistance: Offers a mildew-resistant coating, ideal for humid environments.
- Low VOC: Low in volatile organic compounds, making it safer to use indoors.
Why It’s Great for Plaster Walls: The Sherwin-Williams Duration Home paint is designed to adhere well to a variety of surfaces, including plaster. It provides a smooth, even finish and helps protect against moisture damage, which is particularly important for old plaster walls that may be prone to mold or mildew.
Pros:
- Excellent stain and scuff resistance
- Mildew-resistant properties
- Long-lasting finish
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other brands
3. Zinsser Perma-White Interior Paint
Zinsser Perma-White is an ideal choice for painting old plaster walls in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. This paint is specifically designed to resist mold and mildew, making it an excellent option for homes with plaster walls that may have accumulated moisture over the years.
Key Features:
- Finish: Available in a satin finish.
- Mold and Mildew Resistant: Zinsser Perma-White contains a built-in antimicrobial agent that helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the painted surface.
- Durability: Offers a durable, washable finish that resists fading and staining.
- Breathability: The paint allows plaster to breathe, which helps prevent moisture buildup.
Why It’s Great for Plaster Walls: If your plaster walls are in a humid area, Zinsser Perma-White is an excellent choice. It offers moisture resistance, prevents mold and mildew growth, and provides a long-lasting finish, making it perfect for older plaster surfaces.
Pros:
- Mold and mildew-resistant properties
- Great for bathrooms and kitchens
- Durable and easy to clean
Cons:
- Only available in a satin finish
- May not be ideal for those seeking a matte or flat finish
4. Behr Premium Plus Ultra Interior Paint
Behr Premium Plus Ultra is a budget-friendly, high-quality paint that offers excellent coverage and durability for plaster walls. This paint combines the benefits of a paint and primer in one, making it easier to apply without needing a separate primer.
Key Features:
- Finish: Available in matte, eggshell, and satin finishes.
- Breathability: The paint allows the plaster to breathe, helping to prevent moisture damage.
- Durability: Provides long-lasting, scuff-resistant coverage.
- Primer Included: Combines paint and primer in one, which is ideal for old plaster surfaces that may require extra adhesion.
Why It’s Great for Plaster Walls: Behr Premium Plus Ultra is an affordable option that provides excellent coverage for old plaster walls. The paint’s built-in primer helps ensure that the paint adheres well, while its durability and breathability make it a great choice for plaster.
Pros:
- Affordable with great coverage
- Paint and primer in one
- Available in multiple finishes
Cons:
- May require additional coats for optimal coverage on very porous plaster walls
5. Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion Paint
Farrow & Ball Estate Emulsion is a high-end, eco-friendly paint that’s ideal for creating a rich, smooth finish on old plaster walls. It’s particularly well-suited for period homes or spaces where you want a luxurious, matte finish.
Key Features:
- Finish: Matte finish, which is perfect for creating a subtle, elegant look.
- Breathability: The paint is highly breathable, which is essential for old plaster walls.
- Durability: Offers a durable and long-lasting finish that resists wear.
- Eco-Friendly: Farrow & Ball paints are made with natural pigments and are low in VOCs.
Why It’s Great for Plaster Walls: The Estate Emulsion paint by Farrow & Ball is perfect for creating a sophisticated, matte finish on old plaster walls. Its breathable formula ensures that the plaster walls can “breathe” without trapping moisture beneath the paint.
Pros:
- High-quality, eco-friendly paint
- Elegant matte finish
- Great for period homes
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other paint options
Tips for Painting Old Plaster Walls
- Prepare the Surface: Before painting, repair any cracks or holes in the plaster with joint compound or plaster repair paste. Clean the surface to remove any dust, dirt, or old peeling paint.
- Prime the Walls: Use a high-quality primer designed for plaster surfaces. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a more even finish.
- Use a High-Quality Paintbrush or Roller: Use a paintbrush for cutting in along edges and a roller for larger areas. A good roller with a medium nap will help ensure even coverage.
- Apply Thin Coats: Apply thin coats of paint and allow them to dry completely between coats. This will help prevent paint from cracking or peeling over time.
Conclusion
When choosing the best paint for old plaster walls, it’s important to consider the surface’s breathability, durability, and moisture resistance. Benjamin Moore Regal Select, Sherwin-Williams Duration, and Zinsser Perma-White are excellent choices for achieving a smooth, long-lasting finish. Make sure to prep your walls properly and apply the paint with the appropriate tools to ensure a professional-looking result. With the right paint and technique, your old plaster walls will look beautiful for years to come!
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