---
title: "Process of applying distemper"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:distemper-application-process"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/distemper-application-process
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Process of applying distemper

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 9: Paint and Varnishes

- Asked in: 2078 Kartik, 3 marks
- Video: [How to use Distemper Paint at Home | Step by Step Guide | Cheap & Best Wall Paint ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=equw1X2eOp8) — Mytalent Painting work
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/distemper-application-process
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-9

## Question

Mention the process of applying distemper.

## Short answer

Prepare the surface by drying new plaster 2–3 weeks, cleaning, filling cracks, and sanding. Apply a primer coat, then mix distemper with water and strain. Apply the first coat with a wide brush in horizontal and cross strokes, let dry 24 hours, then apply a second coat, completing a whole wall continuously to avoid patches.

## Answer

Distemper is applied on new or old plastered walls as follows:

1. **Surface preparation:** For new plaster, let it dry for at least 2–3 weeks; clean off dust and loose material. For an old surface, scrape the old distemper and wash it off.
2. **Fill cracks** with putty and rub smooth with sand paper.
3. **Primer coat:** Apply a coat of priming distemper (or a prepared wash) to seal the surface.
4. **Mix the distemper** with water to proper consistency and strain it.
5. **First coat:** Apply with a wide distemper brush in horizontal strokes, then cross strokes, working quickly to avoid joints; let it dry for 24 hours.
6. **Second coat:** Apply in the same way over the dry first coat.
7. **Finish:** Clean splashes. Complete a whole wall without a break to prevent visible patches.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. How is an old distempered surface prepared?
   A. Painted over directly
   B. Old distemper is scraped and washed off
   C. Covered with varnish
   D. Left unwashed
   Answer: B. Scrape the old distemper and wash it off. (Key point: Surface preparation)

2. How is the first coat applied?
   A. Horizontal strokes then cross strokes, working quickly to avoid joints
   B. Vertical strokes only slowly
   C. Spray only
   D. Small circles
   Answer: A. Wide brush, horizontal then cross strokes, quickly to avoid joints. (Key point: Brush strokes)

3. How long is the first coat left before the second?
   A. 1 hour
   B. 24 hours
   C. 1 week
   D. Not at all
   Answer: B. Let the first coat dry for 24 hours. (Key point: Drying between coats)

4. Why should a whole wall be finished without a break?
   A. To save brushes
   B. To prevent visible patches
   C. To increase thickness
   D. To dry faster
   Answer: B. Breaks leave visible patches and joints. (Key point: Complete wall)

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