Tips for Dry Distemper Paint | Surface Preparation & Application of Dry Distemper Paint

Distemper is an early form of white wash which is used as medium for aesthetic works of art on surfaces. It’s also called as soft size paint and is usually made from powdered chalk, or lime. It uses hide glue as its medium to attain a soft finish like velvet. It has many similarities with lime and gives warm and charming results.

According to Indian standard Dry Distemper (IS: 427-1965) is water based wall paint but its binders may be natural or synthetic (acrylic). It is more durable than color wash. It contains a glue size vehicle and tinted powdered chalk. This paint is used to achieve softness like velvet.

Preparation of New Surface

Newly plastered surfaces are allowed to dry for at least two months before the application of distemper.
The surface is brushed thoroughly to make it free from mortar droppings.
Then the sand paper is rubbed to make the surface smooth.

Preparation of Old Surface

All loose pieces and scales are removed by sand papering.
The surface is cleaned of all grease, dirt, etc
Holes in plaster are filled in with Plaster of Paris mixed with color.
Then the surface is rubbed down again with fine grade sand paper to make it smooth.
A coat of distemper is applied on patches.
The patched surface is allowed to dry thoroughly before applying regular coat of distemper.

Priming Coat

A priming coat of approved primer is applied over prepared surface in case of new work. No white washing coat is used as priming coat for distemper. The treated surface is allowed to dry before applying distemper coat.

Application on New Construction

After the application of primary coat two or more coat of distemper should be applied till the surface shows an even color.

Application on Old Work

One or more coats of distemper should be applied on the surface till the surface attains an even color.

Procedure of Application

The entire surface should be coated with proper distemper brushes in horizontal strokes uniformly followed by vertical ones immediately.
The subsequent coats should be applied only after the previous coats are dried.
The finished surface should be even and uniform showing no brush marks.
Enough distemper should be mixed to finish one room at a time.
After a days work the brushes should be washed in hot water and hung down to dry.
Old and dirty brushes with distemper should not be used.

Precautions during Distempering

Doors, windows, floors and electrical items should be protected from the splashes of distemper.
If any drops of distemper fall on any articles, these should be cleaned immediately.
After distempering care should be taken that the surface is not destroyed by touching with any dirty materials.