If you’ve recently constructed new drywall or painted over old walls that aren’t as smooth, you’ll need to do some prep work before painting. Skipping this step can result in poor adhesion and unattractive results.
Proper Painting New Drywall ensures that the paint adheres properly and lasts longer. Here are expert tips to get you started:
Apply a Primer
A primer is like the glue that holds a paint job together, and there’s no reason to skip it. It ensures a smoother application of your top coat, blocks some stains, and improves the adhesion of paint to drywall.
It also helps even out the color of a wall, which is particularly important on new walls or those that have had previous coats of paint. Different surfaces absorb paint at different rates, and without equalizing them with a primer that’s made for drywall, you’ll see a gap in the color once your new coat goes on.
There are several types of primers to choose from, and selecting the right one for your project depends on several factors. If the drywall is smooth and free of chips and cracks, a basic flat latex primer will suffice. For textured drywall or to cover a stain, use a special drywall primer that’s tinted to match your finish paint. If you have mildew or mold problems, first scrub the affected area with bleach and then rinse and dry the wall section before applying a mold-neutralizing oil-based primer. If you’re concerned about odors, there are several odorless primers available, including an odorless primer.
Before you apply your primer, it’s a good idea to hold a bright work light over the surface and look for any imperfections. Dim the room lights and hold the light about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) away from the surface, and use it to find cracks, dents, or other irregularities that need to be addressed before you start painting.
During this step, it’s important to wear a mask. The sanding process creates a lot of dust, and if you breathe it in, it can cause respiratory problems. If you’re using an oil-based primer, it’s even more important to use a mask to avoid the fumes.
Once the sanding is complete, you’ll need to clean off any remaining dust with a damp rag. It’s also helpful to make sure the weather is cool and dry, as primer takes longer to dry in humid conditions.
Sand the Walls
The next step to painting drywall to get a smooth and professional finish is sanding. After the primer has dried, it’s time to give the walls a light sanding with a multi-grit sponge. This will remove any flaking paint and rough areas, as well as create a more even surface for your final coat of primer and subsequent paint layers. When sanding, make sure you wear a mask. Drywall dust is very fine and can irritate the lungs if inhaled. You should also cover any furniture and doorways with plastic sheeting to protect them from any sanding dust.
When sanding, it’s important to move in one direction only to avoid any gouges in the drywall. Also, be very careful when sanding around outlets and electrical boxes. If you gouge the drywall, you may have to repaint the entire box, which can be costly.
After sanding, make sure you wipe down the walls again to get rid of any loose dust particles and dirt. You should also wipe down any wall hangings and decorations, as well as remove any items on the walls to prevent them from getting wet or covered in paint. Once the walls are clean, check them for any nail holes, bumps, or divots that need to be repaired. These can be filled with spackling paste, putty, or wall-filling depending on the severity of the problem.
Once you’ve repaired any dents or holes and sanded the walls, it’s time to apply your first coat of paint. It’s always best to use high-quality paint, especially if you’re using a semi-gloss or gloss finish. The higher-quality paints will hold up better to moisture and other elements that can cause the paint to chip or peel over time.
If you’re using satin or flat paint, sanding between coats of paint isn’t necessary. However, if you’re using high-gloss or semi-gloss paint in a bathroom or kitchen, sanding between coats will help to achieve a silky-smooth layer of paint. This will ensure a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
Patch Holes & Cracks
Drywall is a durable material that can stand up to most wall hangings, but it’s not impervious to damage. Holes, dents, and cracks can mar the surface of your drywall walls, often as a result of moving furniture or nailing things to the wall.
Minor blemishes can sometimes be covered up with a dab of paint that blends into the existing color of your walls. But if the hole or divot is large, it’s important to patch it before painting, so that you get a smooth, flawless finish.
First, clean the area around the hole or ding with a damp cloth to remove dust or debris. Then, scoop up a small amount of spackling compound with a putty knife and apply it directly over the hole or ding, spreading evenly with your knife. Allow the spackling to dry completely, which can take up to five hours. Then, you can either “dry-sand” the patch using a sanding block to a smooth surface or wet-sand it by running a sponge over the area. When you wet sand, the drywall will expand slightly, which can help to eliminate any unevenness in the patch.
If the hole is in a corner of your room, it’s also a good idea to sand and repaint the adjacent drywall. This will ensure that the new drywall blends seamlessly into the rest of the wall.
Another common problem with drywall is unsightly humps where the drywall meets the edge of a piece or a different wall. These humps are caused by poorly feathered edges or a lack of sufficient joint compound when the wall was originally taped. To fix these, sand the edge of the drywall to smooth it, then overlay a wide layer of joint compound on the hump to blend it into the surrounding wall.
You may also need to sand and repaint areas of your drywall where there is a lot of damage or if you’re painting over a dark color. Be sure to prime any repaired areas before applying your paint, as unprimed drywall will absorb the new paint and show through.
Paint Like a Pro
Painting standard walls is a fairly straightforward process. However, when it comes to painting drywall, the process requires a bit more care and attention to detail to achieve a professional finish. The good news is that with the right knowledge and tools, anyone can learn how to paint drywall like a pro!
In addition to sanding the walls before priming and patching holes and cracks, it’s also important to properly prepare drywall surfaces for painting. This involves cleaning and priming the wall, which helps to ensure that your paint job will last longer and look more professional.
It’s best to start the painting process by cleaning the walls with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. After the wall is clean, you can prime it using a brush or a roller and allow it to dry thoroughly before proceeding with the next step. Once the primer has dried, it’s time to apply a coat of paint. Depending on the color of the previous paint, you may need to apply two or more coats of paint to get an even and smooth finish.
Before painting your drywall, it’s important to ensure that all of the joints and seams are well caulked. This is crucial to help prevent water and moisture from seeping through the drywall and causing damage or causing mold and mildew. You can purchase caulking products at most home improvement stores, and they are easy to apply.
It is also important to choose the right type of paint for your drywall. There are a variety of different paint finishes available, including satin and semi-gloss. Satin is great for living rooms and bedrooms, while semi-gloss is better for bathrooms and kitchens, as they are subject to more wear and tear and require a higher level of durability.
By following these simple steps, anyone can learn how to paint drywall to achieve a smooth and professional finish! We hope this article has been helpful and that you will soon be able to take on your drywall painting projects with confidence!