Plaster/paint in bathroom

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We are doing a loft conversion with an ensuite. We are planning on shower panels, not tiles, then plaster with dulux diamond matt paint for the rest of the room.

My question is-will the areas behind the toilet/vanity be ok if they don't get painted? As they should be fitted before the painter starts... Or will this be bad as the plaster won't be sealed? Will a painter and decorator be able to unhook those things to paint behind? The hope is it will all be done in a couple of weeks, but we may not be painting for 3-4 weeks.

Why can't you just water down some white emulsion and quickly paint that part of the wall before the toilet/sink are fitted?

We probably can if needs be. Does plaster needs to be completely dry before I do that? Am also 38 weeks pregnant so not sure how low I can get to paint!

if you are fitting the waterproof multipanels, there is no need to paint plaster behind them.

btw you can paint plaster that is still drying out, but you use Dulux Trade Supermatt or similar, which is a porous non-vinyl paint that allows water vapour to escape. It is not very durable and doesn't really protect the plaster. I don't know how new plaster would dry out behind the panels. Perhaps it will rise up and migrate through the ceiling. Very slowly it will equalise through the depth of the wall. When new plaster looks pale matt pink all over (no shiny brown patches) it is considered reasonably dry.

correction

oh, behind the toilet and basin. The painter won't want to move them. He will have a tiny roller on a long handle that he uses to do behind radiators.

Most people don't bother painting what doesn't show.

IMO it is nicer to paint the whole room while empty, before the fittings go in, using a washable paint. Bathrooms get quite grubby.

You haven't got to.

If you feel you must, and already have a can of the paint you want, I'd do the parts of the wall that will be obstructed later. One coat thinned 25% with water, then at least one coat unthinned. As the painter will do the bits that show, and overlap over your bit, it doesn't have to be splendid.

If you are not agile, you can lie on the floor to do the bottom three feet or so. I sometimes do. Have a chair or something handy to climb up and down. I'd rather you didn't attempt ladder work just now.

Thank you

I'm not planning on any ladders for sure! I have a tin of tester paint in the right colour (from a dulux decorator centre, it doesn't say what type of paint it is, but it seemed to go on just like a regular matt paint) Can I use this diluted down? We are planning on having the actual walls done in diamond matt, but to just do behind the units will this be ok? We don't have any white paint in the house but I can grab a small tin from somewhere. I have a mini roller & tray set so can use that and sit on the floor

Do you know if the diamond matt will be ok behind the sink or will we need to do a splashback of some kind?

white paint is often recommended for the mist coat because it is cheaper, and it might highlight imperfections that you need to fill or smooth before sloshing on your expensive finish paint. But you haven't got to. It makes more cost difference when you're using 10 or 15 litres for each coat in a room.

but for your little bit, I'd just use the matching paint from a tin. Sample pots often look a bit different in shade or shine. Stir it very very very thoroughly. Maybe use a one-inch brush as a big brush, or a roller, will absorb most of it.

your sample pot is probably matt vinyl emulsion, if it doesn't say otherwise. I have not used Diamond.

Kitchen and Bathroom paints are usually acrylic and harder wearing.

Thanks, this is the tester pot type paint www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/dulux-trade-colour-sampler

Am I ok using it as a mist coat do you think?

They say diamond matt is suitable for bathrooms, but I will check with the decorator...

yes, I expect you can mist with it, can't see any reason why not.

I looked up Diamond Matt and the listings didn't say what its composition is, but the durability rating suggests it is much more durable than a ordinary vinyl emulsion. See www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/editorial/why-you-should-use-dulux-trade-diamond-matt-for-your-next-bathroom-job

I found an American listing using the word "Acrylic" but you never know if it's the same formula as used in Europe.

Thanks 😊
Not sure if it will be plastered before the weekend as we are still waiting for the plumber... so I might not get to do it.