DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi,

I recently moved into a rented property, that was built approx 2 years ago. The walls were looking a bit grubby, so i decided to paint them.

However, when i have done so, the paint was drying really quicky as i was putting it on, resulting in brush marks and streaks. i left it, thinking it would dry out, however, when i have gotten up this morning the paint has cracked and flaked off!!!!!!!! It is just plain matt emulsion, the cealing was drying really quickly too, leaving marks, but thankfully this hasnt cracked or flaked.

I read somewhere this means the walls have not been sealed, but they have a magnolia colour on them, that looks like it hasnt been decorated since it was built.

I am wondering what to do, whether to seal the walls or whether it wont work with the magnolia colour on them, can anyone help me??

if the walls were previously painted this will have sealed the walls.
did you wash the walls with a sugar soap solution?
did you have the heating on? (if its air flow heating it must be turned off completly)
you don't say who's emulsion it is.
try washing the walls allow to dry fully,
add 10% water to your emulsion.
1st coat and allow to dry naturally (no heat) wait at least 4 hours to 2nd coat (the surface may appear dry but won't be underneath.)
don't apply to thickly. it's more time consuming but more thinner coats look and are better than less thicker coats.
hope of some help, nigel

See our project on preparing plastered walls for painting