How to paint like a professional - training videos and project sheets
Learn how to apply Resene Broadwall Surface & Prep to ready your wall for painting.
Instructions – Resene DIY project #6
Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal (see Data Sheet D807) was developed to seal the surface and improve the level of finish of plasterboard including GIB Board® and Gyprock®.
Applying Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal
It is applied at much higher levels (builds) than standard wallboard sealers to reduce surface imperfections (including jointing). It is the recommended standard plasterboard sealer and will perform in areas of critical light and where strong colours, semi-gloss or gloss paints are used.
The main use for Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal has been to re-condition a plasterboard wall after stripping wallpaper.
Additionally we recommend its use (two applications and well sanded) for new plasterboard where Resene Write-on Wall Paint (see Data Sheet D907) is to be used.
Ensure the plasterboard (GIB Board or Gyprock) is fixed and jointed correctly (as per specification). The plasterboard manufacturers have implemented a set of standards that govern the installation of their products. The standards known as Plasterboard Levels of Finish (AS/NZ 2589 2007) has five levels, the most common of which, Level 4, refers to a ‘paint ready’ finish for low sheen or flat paints in a non critical light area. Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal has been developed to take a Level 4 finish to the next level – Level 5, which is the highest level and used when critical light is an issue, strong colours are used or simply a top quality finish is desired.
Seal the surface and improve the level of finish of plasterboard including GIB Board® and Gyprock®. The main use for Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal has been to re-condition a plasterboard wall after stripping wallpaper.
Ensure the surface is dust free. After the joints and screw heads are stopped, sand the plasterboard using 220 grit zinc sterate sandpaper. Remove the resulting dust before sealing/painting commences. Ideally use a vacuum cleaner and/or a damp cloth to remove the dust.
Ensure gaps between skirting boards, scotias and frames are filled using No More Gaps, or similar filler. If sealing after removing wallpaper or to improve a previously painted wall fill dents, picture hook holes and imperfections with Resene EzyFill or similar cellulose filler.
Stir well and decant approx three litres into the roller tray and between half and one litre into a paint pot for brushwork. Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal is very thick and doesn’t flow easily, so tip into the tray first as this will be easier than the paint pot. Avoid thinning with water or Resene Hot Weather Additive as this can cause the product to slump on the wall.
Left: Step 4, decanting Resene Broadwall. Right: Step 6, applying the masking tape.
Use a PAL high solids roller. Before using dampen the roller sleeve with clean water and remove the excess water. Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal is very thick and will require additional time to fully work the roller into the paint – do this before you start to cut in. Use a good quality brush – we recommend the PAL legend 50mm brush – either the standard or the cutting-in version.
We recommend applying masking tape to the skirting board and frames to avoid roller splatter on these surfaces. We also recommend using the roller to get as close as practicable to the edges to ensure a uniform finish is achieved. There is always a difference between areas that are brushed and rolled and this is more noticeable with thick paints like Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal.
Work the roller into the paint in the roller tray. You may need to flip the roller to get an even load.
Load the brush up with paint (we recommend the PAL 50mm Angled Legend brush) and cut in around the edges and any areas the roller will not easily reach. Despite the paint’s thickness, it brushes easily. When cutting-in, bring the paint out between 30-50mm from the edge.
Attach an extension handle to the roller and remove excess paint.
Now lay the roller against the wall and roll in an upwards direction. Aim to complete approximately one third of a square metre with each roller load.
After rolling each area lay off as you progress down and along the wall. With thick paints, like Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal, this ensures a smooth finish.
Roll as closely as possible to corners and edges, flipping the roller sleeve around as required.
After completing a drop, you will need to lay-off the length of the painted area
To lay-off, first ensure the roller is not fully loaded with paint.
Using only light pressure, lay the roller close to the skirting board and roll down towards it before continuing up the wall to the top, getting as close as practical to all edges. Now reverse down the wall, again using light pressure before repeating the process as you move across the wall – ensure you overlap the just completed area.
Reload your roller before repeating the process as you progress along the wall.
Manipulate the roller to ensure the roller gets as close as practicable to the edges.
Allow to dry for four hours, ensuring the room has good ventilation and warmth to ensure the paint cures well.
Lightly sand using 220 grit zinc sterate sandpaper to remove any surface imperfections. We recommend the use of a flat sanding block as shown or pole sander.
Then apply the recommended topcoat system.
Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal will significantly improve the plasterboard surface either for new board; after wallpaper has been removed or to reduce the effects of critical light.
A second coat can be applied for an ultra smooth surface if required.
The product, despite its thickness, is straightforward to apply.
The end results are impressive and will significantly improve the finish and look of the walls.
A PAL High Solids Roller Sleeve as Resene Broadwall Surface Prep & Seal is very thick in the pail and requires a specialist roller sleeve to apply successfully and easily.
A quality Legend brush. We recommend the 50 or 63 mm Legend or the 50mm Legend cutting-in brush.
A paint pot. These are incredibly useful and much easier to paint from than direct from the can.
220 grit zinc sterate sandpaper to sand any imperfections before applying the topcoat and lightly after the topcoat has dried to remove any paint nibs, etc.
A gap filler such as PAL Contract Series Filler or Selleys No More Gaps to fill any gaps between the plasterboard and the skirting board, scotia or framing.
A roller tray and 230mm roller handle.
An extension pole. We recommend investing in a quality extension pole such as the PAL Extension Pole Metal Masterflow, especially if future painting projects are planned. The pole also accommodates most base plates for pole sanders.
A decent drop sheet(s), especially if other painting projects are planned (on the horizon).
Painter’s gloves – they are relatively inexpensive and save a lot of cleaning.
Masking tape for skirting boards, around light switches etc.
A hand sander or pole sander.
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Training Videos and Project Sheets
Learn how to prepare surfaces and apply paint to get the best from your paint finish with these handy videos and project sheets.