interior
New Build Painting & Decoration
Elevating developer finishes to a premium standard
From £3,500 per apartment
Based on a two-bedroom new build apartment. Larger properties and penthouses quoted individually.
Typical Duration
5-10 days for a full apartment
Free Consultation
No-obligation quote and colour advice
Developer-standard painting rarely meets the expectations of discerning buyers. Our new build painting service transforms freshly built or recently purchased properties with premium paints, proper preparation techniques specific to new plaster, and the attention to detail that volume house builders simply cannot provide. From mist coats on fresh plaster to full decoration in your chosen palette, we bridge the gap between handover and home.
About Our New Build Service
New build properties present a particular set of decorating challenges that differ significantly from period homes. Fresh plaster requires mist coats to seal the surface before full-strength emulsion can be applied. Settlement cracks appear in the first twelve months as the building dries out and settles on its foundations. Skirting boards, architraves, and doors are often painted with a single thin coat of low-quality trade paint that scuffs within weeks of moving in. At Mayfair Painters, we work with new build owners across Chelsea Harbour, Battersea Power Station, One Hyde Park, and other premier London developments to bring the standard of decoration up to the level that the property price demands. Our service covers everything from the initial mist coat on fresh plaster through to the final coat of premium emulsion and eggshell, creating interiors that feel crafted rather than mass-produced.
What We Deliver
- Mist coats on fresh plaster using correctly diluted emulsion
- Snagging and defect identification during preparation
- Full re-decoration of all rooms in premium paint
- Upgrade of woodwork from single-coat trade finish to multi-coat premium eggshell
- Settlement crack repair and re-painting in the first year
- Colour consultation to move beyond developer-standard magnolia
- Spray finishing for a factory-smooth look on doors and built-in joinery
- Coordination with other trades during the fit-out phase
- Rapid completion for move-in deadlines and chain completions
Our Approach
New plaster must be treated with respect. We apply a diluted mist coat — typically a 70:30 paint-to-water ratio — to seal the surface and provide a key for subsequent coats. This step is frequently skipped by developers, leading to peeling and flaking within months. Once the mist coat has cured, we apply two full-strength coats of the client's chosen colour. Woodwork is rubbed down, primed where bare, and given at least two coats of premium eggshell to replace the thin, dull finish left by the builder. If the property has been purchased off-plan, we can work alongside the developer's completion schedule, beginning decoration in phases as rooms are handed over. For buy-to-let investors, we offer a rapid turnaround service in durable, neutral palettes designed to appeal to the rental market.
Materials & Brands
Walls receive Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion, Little Greene Intelligent Emulsion, or Dulux Trade Diamond Matt depending on the client's preference and budget. Woodwork is finished in Little Greene Intelligent Eggshell or Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell. Doors and built-in joinery can be spray-finished with Benjamin Moore Advance for a factory-smooth result. Zinsser BIN is used for stain blocking where needed.
Property Considerations
New build apartments in developments like Battersea Power Station, Chelsea Barracks, and One Tower Bridge often have strict building management rules around decoration — permitted working hours, goods lift booking, and floor protection requirements. We are experienced in navigating these protocols and handle all management coordination. Penthouse properties with floor-to-ceiling glazing require special consideration for light reflection and colour selection.
Why Choose Our New Build Service
Mist Coat Expertise
We properly seal new plaster with correctly diluted mist coats, preventing the peeling that plagues rushed developer finishes.
Snagging Support
During preparation, we identify plaster defects, poor filling, and other snags that can be raised with the developer.
Premium Upgrade
Single-coat trade paint is replaced with multi-coat premium finishes that transform the look and longevity of every surface.
Our New Build Process
Handover Inspection
We inspect the developer finish, identify snags, and assess which surfaces need mist coats.
Mist Coating
All fresh plaster surfaces receive a diluted mist coat and are allowed to dry fully.
Crack & Defect Repair
Settlement cracks and filling defects are repaired and sanded smooth.
Wall & Ceiling Painting
Two full coats of premium emulsion are applied to all wall and ceiling surfaces.
Woodwork & Joinery
Skirting, architraves, doors, and built-ins are sanded and given two coats of premium eggshell or spray finish.
Move-In Ready
Final inspection, touch-ups, and a thorough clean-down so the property is ready for furniture.
Brands We Use for New Build
Available Across London
We offer new build painting & decoration across all 20 of our service areas in prime London.
View All AreasRelated Services
Interior Painting
Flawless interiors that elevate every room in your home
Learn moreSpray Painting
Factory-smooth finishes applied on site with precision spray technology
Learn moreColour Consultation & Advisory
Expert colour guidance tailored to your property and lifestyle
Learn moreCeiling Painting & Restoration
Expert ceiling decoration from simple refreshes to ornate restorations
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
New builds require mist coats on fresh plaster, followed by two full coats of emulsion on walls and ceilings. Woodwork needs priming and two topcoats. We also handle snagging — filling shrinkage cracks and touching up builder-applied paint.
Fresh plaster is highly absorbent and alkaline. Standard emulsion sits on the surface and peels. A mist coat — diluted emulsion — soaks into the plaster and creates a stable base. We mix the correct dilution ratio on site for each surface.
Plaster should be fully dry before painting — typically three to four weeks for standard gypsum plaster. We test moisture levels with a meter before starting to ensure the paint adheres properly and does not blister.
Yes. We inspect the developer's paintwork, document defects, and carry out all remedial painting. Common issues include missed areas, poor coverage, roller marks and paint splashes on woodwork — all easily corrected by our team.
Absolutely. Many new-build buyers want to personalise their home immediately. We can apply a Farrow & Ball, Little Greene or Benjamin Moore scheme throughout, transforming a generic developer finish into something uniquely yours.
A two-bedroom apartment takes three to four days for a full premium finish. A four-bedroom house takes six to eight days. Timelines include mist coats, fill and sand, and two topcoats on every surface.
Ready for Expert New Build?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from our specialist team. We respond within 24 hours.