A Guide to Painting New Builds

Unlike older homes that often require repairs before decorating can start, new builds offer a blank canvas. While this is exciting, it can also feel like an overwhelming task, and there are several caveats to painting new build walls that you should be aware of. Our guide answers frequently asked questions such as ‘when can you paint a new build?’ to ensure professional, long-lasting results.

Can you paint a new build?

Although you’re free to decorate your new home in any way you wish once you’ve purchased the property, one of the most frequently asked questions about decorating new builds is ‘can you paint a new build house straight away?’

We asked our Academy member Mark Rigby who advised:

“You shouldn’t paint a new build home right away. In fact, most homebuilders advise waiting at least six months before painting. You could paint in the first 6 months but you would have to use a contract emulsion such as Dulux Supermatt. This is because cracks can appear as the structure settles and the building materials dry out fully in the walls, ceilings, doors, skirting and other trim. Many new build homes come with warranties, which could be compromised by decorating too soon, so it’s worth checking the homebuilders’ policy first.”

So, once the settling period has passed and any snags have been fixed, you can go ahead and decorate. Wondering what the best paint for new build homes is? Browse the range of interior emulsion paint and interior trim paint at Dulux Decorator Centre to find the perfect shade and finish for any room.

Can you wallpaper a new build?

The advice for wallpapering a new build is the same as painting – wait at least six months or as long as the warranty states. Plus, decorating too soon could lead to more expenses if cracks appear and you need to re-apply wallpaper to the entire room.

How long does a new build take to settle?

Although a new build will be safety-checked and ready to live in when you move, it can take up to 12 months for the building materials to dry out and settle. In short – the longer you leave it before decorating, the better.

There are several other ways you can make a new build feel homely without painting or wallpapering. Soft furnishings, lighting and decorative accessories can make a room look dramatically different, so focus on these elements instead. Plus, these small changes are a good way to test different shades and patterns – you might end up choosing a completely different paint colour or wallpaper design when the time comes to decorate.

Can you hang things on new build walls?

Once the house has settled and you’ve painted, you can hang art, photos and shelving on new build walls. Always check for wires and pipes before drilling any holes and ensure the wall can take the weight of the item.

For more expert painting tips, check out our brush cleaning guide or learn how to paint skirting boards and trim.