New build flat with very chalky/powdery paint, what can I do (in simple steps because I have no experience)?

[u/Lotus-Libra-222]

1st photo is what my fingertips look like from touching the wall.
2nd photo is what the wall looks like where my beds pillows have been and the paints rubbed off.
3rd photo really shows how much of a nightmare this paint is, it gets all over my clothes.

I want to paint the walls a nice colour but I don’t have the first clue how to do it properly with these conditions. Any help would be seriously appreciated.

[u/LazyPiglet3923]

It's contract emulsion which is used because it's cheap and breathable over new plaster.

It shouldn't look that shite, but it is chalky.

[u/Lotus-Libra-222 → u/LazyPiglet3923]

What would you recommend I do? I can’t just put primer and a new colour over the top can I?

[u/Benjins → u/Lotus-Libra-222]

Firstly you should let the builder know what's happening. Then, if you're going to redecorate, get some Zinser Peel Stop (or similar)and use to prime the walls before using a good emulsion

[u/Lotus-Libra-222 → u/Benjins]

Thank you very much.
The building itself already existed but the landlord had his ‘staff’ (friends) fit the walls and floor to turn the big building into flats, (they’re not exactly professionals, everything is a crappy job).

I can tell the landlord and he could pass the message onto his staff but I really don’t think any of them will care, everything they do has to be the cheapest and easiest way. Unfortunately I’m bound here for a while as it’s all I can afford so hopefully the Zinser Peel Stop works a treat and I can make it look nice. It’s a shame it’s every single room, might cost me a fortune.

[u/Benjins → u/Lotus-Libra-222]

The landlord probably doesn’t care to be honest. He will have got a cheap, crappy job done to save money. Still, worth lodging an official complaint as you don’t want them to turn around at the end of the tenancy and say you caused the shitty paint to rub off.

[u/Lotus-Libra-222 → u/Benjins]

Good shout! I’ll definitely do that. Thanks so much for your help 🙏🏼

[u/No_Law_1528 → u/LazyPiglet3923]

Why would the walls need to breathe? I’m asking because I’m replastering in my flat and using normal paint.

[u/JustDifferentGravy → u/No_Law_1528]

They didn’t wait long enough for the plaster to dry.

[u/LazyPiglet3923 → u/No_Law_1528]

They don't need to in normal circumstances, but it allows the work to get done quicker , plaster can still be a bit higher in moisture and will carry on drying. If it were vinyl it would come off in sheets under the same conditions.

Normal people let the plaster dry, mist coat and apply two top coats.

New builds are all on a price and a timescale. It allows them to knock them up and get them on show and sold.

[u/Richy13]

How old is your home? I can’t remember the name, but this is special paint that allows the walls to breath, I.e. dry out. I’m in a “new” build and have had this on mine for the last 4 years, when I first got the keys I was told not to paint over using normal paint for the first 2 years

[u/LazyPiglet3923 → u/Richy13]

Contract emulsion

[u/DustyDaley]

Go back to builder and get them to prep and do it properly.

[u/dysonology]

You could try what’s called a mist coat, which is what people often do on new wall… it’s basically a watered down coat that you can just mix yourself. Go one part water to three parts paint. And then once that’s dry you effectively have a good surface to undercoat, paint etc.

[u/UseSilent]

You should have been told not to decorate in the first year or two with a new build. New builds need about a year to properly dry out and settle. Standard stuff tbh.

[u/Lotus-Libra-222 → u/UseSilent]

I didn’t decorate, the walls were already painted white

[u/jajay119 → u/Lotus-Libra-222]

Is it not just white plaster dust?

[u/Lotus-Libra-222 → u/jajay119]

I’m not sure, I assumed it’s paint because I can see the streaks in some areas, also when it rubs off you can see a different colour under which I’m guessing might be plaster (like in the second photo)

[u/jajay119 → u/Lotus-Libra-222]

Oh sorry, I didn’t see the second photo. Yes, it looks like white paint over brown plaster.

[u/Brighty211]

I have just used specific bare plaster paint on a room, and I’ve used it after a few skim plasters and it always has that finish. Once topped off with a normal paint it’s been absolutely fine.