Like drywall, blueboard is designed to be the interior of your walls to hide and protect what’s within. You can apply finishes and paint without issue, provided you follow the proper steps. If you need some assistance understanding how to hang blueboard, check out our previous blog!
Preparation
Provided you’ve followed all the steps properly, your blueboard should be hung and a thin coat of plaster applied. The joints should be taped and everything should be screwed in properly. If there are uneven surfaces or issues with sagging, this is the time to address them.
If you haven’t applied plaster yet, apply a very thin skim coat to everything. This should cover up the taped joints and create an even layer across the entire area. Once this has dried you can apply a second coat to make sure everything is completely covered. Check for any flaws, sagging, or other issues at this time. Keep in mind that any issues with the wall will show up during painting, so you want to tackle them now.
Sand down any spots that are rough to ensure a smooth surface for the next step. Don’t overdo it, but it should look and feel smooth to the touch. However, if you’re looking for a texture on the wall this isn’t necessary! With plaster you can apply a number of textures and finishes, so you don’t necessarily need to go for smooth! If you aren’t able to apply the plaster to your satisfaction, it might be best to call a professional!
Priming
Like any form of painting, priming your surface is the best first step. Priming gives the paint a better chance to adhere to the surface and ensures you won’t have peeling. Depending on the primer it will chemically “grip” the surface it’s applied to, so any paint applied on top of the primer will be guaranteed to stick.
There are a number of options for primer brands, but we recommend consulting a professional at your local paint store based on what’s available in your area. Like the plaster, apply a thin coat of primer. Unlike the plaster it doesn’t necessarily need to be perfect and complete coverage, as you’ll be covering this up with paint. Make sure it’s even and doesn’t clump, as this can cause issues when you paint. You also want to avoid drips, as they will show when you go to paint.
When priming be sure to take it slowly to ensure an even coat. If you made sure to apply the plaster properly in the last step it shouldn’t be an issue. Take care to not tackle too much at once, as you could accidentally mess up the primer and end up with a bad texture.
Paint
Once everything’s been primed, you’re ready for painting! Like the plaster it’s a good idea to sand the primer smooth, unless of course you went for a textured plaster. Apply primer and paint based on where and how you applied the plaster! If you aren’t sure how to tackle painting, try asking the professionals at your local paint store. They’ll give you an idea of the tools needed and the best way to tackle your unique environment.
That’s how you prepare a blueboard wall for painting! If you have any questions or aren’t sure how to handle it, don’t hesitate to contact a professional!