Absolutely NOT a common myth, I have been a Decorator for 30 yrs so feel I have the right to say this. Be careful what advise you are giving out please, it could end up costing people money.

​Not at all. PVA adds a seal to the plasterer which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve.

This is ok for a contract matt, covers well and is a decent white, however it is very chalky, adhesion isn't too great, and doesn't sit flat compared to others. All the advise regarding mist coat is correct, apart from diluting up to 50% for new plaster, 25% is more than enough though better too thin than thick. NEVER PVA PLASTER!!!! To the person who asked how this compares to Supermatt, it is not in the same class.

using both magnolia and white now. really happy with it. definitely recommend. bargain too!

Just what I was looking for, thanks for posting OP

This stuff is absolute crap, dries very patchy & isn't opaque in the slightest. Save your money

Definitely do NOT use PVA. The method I use works 100% which is:

1. Wait for plaster to dry out and go pink, so you don't need to wait weeks, just about a week or even less in some cases.
2. Buy cheap white trade matt emulsion which isn't vinyl/silk
3. Mix around 30%-50% water in to the paint and then use a roller to apply it. This is called a mist coat.
4. Do a second coat if you can see through the first one or there's patches where you can see through
5. Apply top coat once you're happy with the original water/emulsion 'mist' coat you did.

Buying PVA costs more, costs more time and you can end up with paint bubbling. Don't use PVA on new plaster to facilitate painting on it, just do a cheap mist coat which is watered down matt emulsion.

Keep it simple! It's just watered down matt emulsion that you need.

Why do you need a mist coat on new plaster? The mist coat contains water which soaks the paint in to the plaster and thus bonds the paint to the plaster. If you don't use a mist coat then you risk paint flaking off the plaster some time in the future and you'll have the laborious task of removing the flaking paint and then having to do a mist coat which you should have done in the first place.

Yeah applying PVA to new plaster is nonsense, just get cheap trade matt emulsion that's NOT vinyl and water it down, this is called a mist coat. I've owned a house for 6 years had to replaster the whole lot, the paint has never flaked off at all using the above method of watering down the emulsion, I used around 50% water 50% paint.

PVA on the other hand, just read about that method on decorating forums, they all say it's nonsense don't do it!

I have read contradicting opinions about PVA. I am beginner diyer and waited 10days and watered it down 10x or so before applying. It makes sense when it soaks into plaster and bond it together but no streaks are left on plaster. I applied Leyland paint on it with a roller and was very happy with the result. No need for stain blocker as it came bright white!

Several years ago this was my go-to paint and I thought it was brilliant. Last couple of times I've been disappointed with the finish despite multiple coats. My impression is that it's gone downhill a bit, but I don't know if they've changed the formula or anything. Personally I'd look elsewhere, but this is a good price so hot.

Common myth pva is fine :smiley:

Does anyone know the difference between this and the super leytex? Looks like opacity is the only difference but not sure about the final finish.

​You shouldn't use PVA on newly plastered surfaces, just a thinned coat of paint (known as a mist coat).

Valspar B&Q is far better. Think it's £22 for 10lt. What I use

Any ideas how this compares to Dulux Trade Supermatt? Seems like a good deal but that's about double the price for one I think!

The magnolia I didn't find good at all. Took about 3 to 4 coats and it still didn't appear very well covered.

you can get a few pennies back going through top cashback too