How to paint on new walls?

[jennymac]

We have moved into a new build and my husband has repeatedly read that if you are painting newly plastered walls, the first coat at least should be 60% paint mixed with 40% water. This is to prevent the plaster sucking all the moisture out of the paint and causing it to peel down the line. The problem is that most of the painters we have got round for quotes say that they just apply the paint as normal on the new walls and don't water the first couple of coats down. Has anyone had any problems caused by not watering paint applied to new plaster?

I have never heard anyone say that they wouldn't do the watered down coat! I've just had some work done, and the advice was still the same - to do a mist coat of half and half paint/water. I have heard many differing opinions as to how many mist coats should be applied, and what % of each. I normally do one with about 1/3 paint, then the next with about 2/3 paint. Nb I think the first couple of coats should be with matt paint. I am pretty loyal to Dulux Trade SuperMatt white, or whatever it's called.

I've saved a thread on this from a while ago that was a pretty informative read ...

Link: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/property/1370491-Painting-new-plaster-any-tips

Agree with Hazel, had most of our house done now and always done half and half for the first coat when on new plaster. Everything I have rea and heard says to do similar.

Thanks everyone. I was tempted to tell dh not to be so paranoid about the watered down paint but after reading this, I've had a rethink!