R. Cott. 19?

I washed the fresh plaster with a dilute pva solution before painting.

I used Leyland paints from the local trade counter.

HTH

Washed as with a sponge rather than rollered on? I'm looking at about

I normally use a diluted coat of whatever its going to be painted with, and apply with a roller. (say 10% to 20% added water - enough to allow it to sink in an seal, but not so wet and sloppy it flies all over the place!)

Washed as in using the widest brush I had. I think it was a wallpaper adhesive brush. I've not tried roller application or sponge as I find that I can apply it pretty quickly with a brush and its easier to get into any corners or fiddly bits with a brush.

It doesn't need to have a particularly even coverage just a complete coverage. Grandchildren (if any) would probably assist you in the process as, unlike paint, it doesn't matter if its a bit thick on some areas.

I use a diluted coat, too, but I've started to use paint pads instead of rollers - faster and neater, and easy to get in to nooks and crannies.