Painting a plaster fireplace

[steelh]

I would like to paint the plaster fireplace surround and mantle to the same colour as the room. Can I just paint straight over the old colour or do I need to prime.

There is also a bit chipped off (in picture) - is yher any way to fix this?

Thank you

 

[Wayners]

Is the fireplace painted?
Do you know what sort of paint?

 

[steelh]

It is but no idea what sort of paint!

 

[Wayners]

Rub with meths. If it comes off a bit on rag it's waterbased paint.
If not it's oil based paint.

Prep will depend on what sort of paint you have

 

[steelh]

Fab thank you