Yes, you can paint directly on plaster, but new plaster typically needs to fully cure and dry first, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a month depending on the type and thickness of the plaster.
A few important steps before painting plaster:
- Allow new plaster to fully cure, since painting too early can trap moisture and cause paint failure
- Use a plaster-appropriate primer, since plaster’s porous surface absorbs paint differently than drywall
- Lightly sand any rough areas for a smoother finish before priming
- Choose a breathable paint if working with traditional lime plaster, since it needs to allow moisture to pass through
Once properly cured and primed, plaster generally holds paint very well and can offer a smooth, long-lasting finish. Skipping the curing or priming steps is one of the most common causes of paint problems on plaster walls, like peeling or uneven absorption.
If you’re unsure whether plaster is fully cured, it’s worth checking with the contractor who applied it or doing a small test area before painting the entire wall.