You can paint plasterboard with a water-based acrylic interior paint, but only after the joints are filled and the board is primed. Plasterboard is named directly as a substrate in the data sheets for DIAMOND and Barvy Pryrody paints, while AKRYLTIKS, EXTRA LATEX, EKOFARBA and SNEJINKA are stated for gypsum surfaces. The choice comes down to how often the wall will be washed and how much sheen you want.
Which paint to use on plasterboard
Paint | Substrate in data sheet | Wet-scrub class | Gloss | Coats | Consumption per coat, g/m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DIAMOND 2 | plasterboard | 1 | 2, deep matt | 1–2 | 100–150 / 150–190 |
DIAMOND 7 | plasterboard | 1 | 7, silky matt | 1–2 | 100–150 / 150–190 |
Barvy Pryrody | plasterboard | 1 | 15, silky | 1–2 | 100–150 / 150–190 |
AKRYLTIKS | gypsum surfaces | 2 | 5, matt | 1–2 | 110–150 / 170–210 |
EXTRA LATEX | gypsum surfaces | 3 | 3, matt | 1–2 | 150–200 / 200–240 |
EKOFARBA | gypsum surfaces | not stated, dry-rub resistant | 2, deep matt | 2 | 170–220 / 200–240 |
SNEJINKA | gypsum surfaces | not stated, dry-rub resistant | 2, deep matt | 2 | 220–270 / 260–300 |
The first consumption figure is for non-absorbent substrates, the second for absorbent ones. All data come from the technical data sheets. Work out wall area and tins in the paint consumption calculator.
Hallway, kitchen, children’s room
Where walls get washed you need class 1. DIAMOND 2 acrylic latex paint gives a deep matt finish, while DIAMOND 7 satin paint and Barvy Pryrody silky paint have more sheen. Bear in mind that sheen picks out every ridge of filler along the board joints. Do not wash a freshly painted wall for 7 days. More options are on the washable wall paint page.
Bedroom, living room, study
Class 2 or 3 is enough here. AKRYLTIKS acrylic paint is thixotropic, does not sag and has class 1 hiding power. EXTRA LATEX is matt with wet-scrub class 3. The difference between latex and acrylic paint is covered in latex or acrylic paint.
Plasterboard ceilings
Ceilings are not washed, so a deep matt finish matters more. The data sheet recommends SNEJINKA white paint especially for ceilings, and EKOFARBA is deep matt too. Both go on in 2 coats. Ceiling technique is covered in how to paint a ceiling yourself.
Preparing plasterboard
The data sheets of all these paints ask for the same substrate: free of dust and loose material, without cracks or unevenness. On plasterboard that means the board joints and screw heads have to be filled.
- Fill joints and fixings with finishing filler according to its packaging.
- Once dry, sand the filler and remove all dust.
- Check the wall under raking light. If you plan a satin or silky finish, take extra care with any unevenness.
General preparation is described in how to prepare walls for painting.
What to prime plasterboard with
Gypsum and plasterboard are named directly in the data sheets of three POLIFARB acrylic primers, and for these substrates they are stated for interior use only:
- PROFI GRUNT deep-penetrating primer — ready to use, not thinned.
- GRUNT EKO acrylic primer — ready to use, not thinned.
- GRUNT CONCENTRATE 1:4 — diluted 1:4 with water or applied neat.
Apply one coat by brush, roller or spray. The primer dries in 1–2 hours depending on temperature, and paint can follow after 2 hours. Consumption is 0.1–0.2 kg/m²; the primer consumption calculator gives a closer figure. More detail in how to prime walls properly.
How to paint plasterboard
- Stir the paint in the tin. If it is tinted, tint the whole quantity from one batch at once.
- Apply by roller, brush or spray. DIAMOND, Barvy Pryrody, AKRYLTIKS and EXTRA LATEX take one or two coats, EKOFARBA and SNEJINKA two coats.
- Leave 2 hours between coats.
- Work at +5 to +30 °C. The optimum is +18 to +25 °C at humidity up to 60%.
- Wash tools with water afterwards.
Leak stains on plasterboard
Dried brown water stains bleed through water-based paint. Seal them first with IZOMAL stain-blocking paint: one coat is enough under a finish paint, and the next coat can follow after 2 hours. Then paint the ceiling or wall with any POLIFARB water-based paint. If the board has soaked through and deformed, replace it, because paint will not restore its shape.
Common mistakes
- Painting without primer. Filler and board absorb paint differently and the joints show through.
- Leaving sanding dust on the wall.
- Choosing a satin or silky paint for an unevenly filled wall.
- Washing the wall less than 7 days after painting.
What to use
Hallways and kitchens: DIAMOND 2 or DIAMOND 7. Living rooms: AKRYLTIKS or EXTRA LATEX. Ceilings: SNEJINKA or EKOFARBA. Under any of them: one coat of PROFI GRUNT or GRUNT EKO. Bathrooms have their own guide: which paint for a bathroom.
FAQ
Do I need to prime plasterboard before painting?
Yes. The paint data sheets call for GRUNT EKO, PROFI GRUNT or GRUNT CONCENTRATE 1:4, and these primers are stated for plasterboard indoors.
Can I paint plasterboard without filling?
Not if the joints and screws are left open. The paints go on a substrate without cracks or unevenness, so the joints are filled.
How many coats does plasterboard need?
DIAMOND, Barvy Pryrody, AKRYLTIKS and EXTRA LATEX: one or two coats. EKOFARBA and SNEJINKA: two, 2 hours apart.
What paint should I use on a plasterboard ceiling?
A deep matt one: SNEJINKA, EKOFARBA, or DIAMOND 2 if a kitchen ceiling will need washing.
