Painting GRP Decor: Paint Types and Finishing Steps

GRP decor accepts any type of paint: according to our product descriptions you can use plastic paint, glaze and tebtin, and some designs also take a gilded finish. A good finish depends on preparation: a clean surface, treated joints, a light sanding, a suitable primer, then two thin coats.

Suitable paint types

Plastic paint. The simplest and most common choice, giving an even matt or satin colour. Good when you want the piece to blend with the wall or ceiling colour.

Glaze. A semi-transparent layer applied over a base colour to add depth and gradation that brings out the relief; it is usually wiped with a cloth or sponge so the darker tone stays in the recesses.

Tebtin. A shading technique that gives an aged look by keeping the darker tone in the details of the relief while the raised areas stay lighter. It suits the classic style.

Gilded. A gold finish with metallic paint or gold leaf, accepted by some designs as their descriptions state. Often used on roses and prominent ornaments for richness, and best done by an experienced painter.

Painting steps

1. Inspect and clean: wipe off dust with a clean damp cloth and let it dry completely.
2. Treat the joints: after installation, fill gaps and screw heads with suitable filler.
3. Sand: sand the filler lightly without pressing on the relief, then remove dust. Wear a mask while sanding.
4. Prime: apply a suitable primer for adhesion and an even colour. Ask your paint supplier which type suits your paint.
5. First coat: a thin coat with a soft brush or small roller, avoiding paint pooling in the recesses.
6. Second coat: once the first is dry according to the can instructions.
7. For glaze and tebtin: after the base colour dries, apply glaze into the recesses and wipe the excess from the raised areas for the gradation you want.
8. For gilding: apply a base colour that suits the gold effect you want, then the metallic paint or leaf as the material instructions say.

Preparing the space

• Cover the floor and furniture and tape around the edges of the piece.
• Choose a mild, ventilated time and avoid high humidity.
• Work out paint quantity with the quantity calculator and check the coverage on the can, which varies by type.

Common mistakes

• Painting before treating the joints, so lines show between pieces.
• One thick coat instead of two thin ones.
• Pressing too hard when sanding, which wears down the crispness of the relief.
• Skipping a glaze or tebtin test on a small piece.
• Using a paint that does not suit the primer, so it peels later.

If you are preparing a whole room, install first and paint after. Read how to install panel corners and browse panel corners, ceiling roses and panel moldings.