Whether you’re looking to repair holes in your walls or repaint them, proper preparation is key to achieving a paint job that will hold up to everyday use and be visually appealing. Our certified house painters know how to prep new and existing drywall so it’s ready for paint.
This includes mudding, sanding, and priming. Read on to learn more.
Preparation
As with any surface that will receive paint, the drywall must be properly prepared before painting. This is important to ensure the paint adheres correctly and that the result will look smooth and professional. There are a few key steps that must be taken, from inspecting and filling in holes to sanding and priming the drywall.
First, you will want to thoroughly clean the walls and ceiling. This will remove any dirt particles, cobwebs, or dust that may be present. It will also help ensure that the primer and paint will adhere correctly, which is very important for long-lasting results.
Next, you will want to repair any dents, cracks, or other damage that is present on the wall. This can be done by using a drywall compound. For small holes, you can use a putty knife and for larger ones, a drywall patch kit will be necessary.
Then, you will need to sand the drywall. This can be done by hand or with a sander that is specifically for drywall. Make sure to wipe down the sanded area with a slightly damp towel, as the paint does not appreciate any dust. Once the sanding is complete, you can apply a layer of primer. It is recommended to use a primer that is specifically intended for drywall, as this will provide the best results.
Primer
Using a high-quality primer is the key to a long-lasting, professional-looking paint job. It seals the surface and promotes paint adhesion to drywall. It also helps conceal dents and nail holes and seals any mildew or stains that may be present on the surface. Before painting, always sand the surface to remove any roughness or bumps.
Whether the drywall is new or has been painted before, priming the surface is critical to a good paint job. This helps to hide any blemishes or imperfections in the wall and it allows for the application of fewer coats of paint because drywall tends to soak up paint quickly.
When priming drywall, it is important to use a product that is specifically designed for the material. These types of primers are usually labeled as such and are available at most home improvement stores. They are also available in a variety of finishes to match the color of your walls.
After the primer is dry, sand any rough spots with fine-grit sandpaper (180 grit or less) to smooth the surface. It is best to sand by hand rather than using a power sander. This is because over-sanding can damage the paper surface of the drywall, preventing it from accepting paint properly. Once the sanding is complete, give the primer a second opportunity to dry completely.
Paint
When painting drywall, the type of paint used can dramatically affect how well and how long the finished product will last. It is important to select the right paint and primer for your project.
When selecting paint for a new drywall surface, it is recommended that you choose latex or water-based paints. These types of paint are easy to apply, quick drying, and offer excellent durability. Additionally, latex paints are low in volatile organic compounds (VOC), which makes them a safer choice for indoor environments.
It is also a good idea to choose a gloss level for your drywall. This will dictate how well the finished surface will resist smudges and fingerprints, as well as how bright or dark the room will appear. It is also a good idea to test the color of your paint in both natural and artificial light to ensure that it will look true under different conditions.
Before painting, make sure to clean the wall with a damp cloth and wipe away any dust that has been collected on the surface. Once the wall is clean, you can lightly sand it to smooth out any bumps and then wipe it down again with a slightly moist cloth. This will remove any remaining dust and give the drywall a smooth, even surface that is ready for paint. Once again, remember to wear a mask during this step – sheetrock dust can be very irritating and harmful if inhaled.
Finish
As you progress through the finish process, the drywall will be smooth and free of any imperfections. This includes both the seams and the corners. To achieve this, a second layer of joint compound is applied over the tape and fasteners. This is lightly sanded and any ridges are wiped away. If you want to go the extra mile, a third coat of joint compound is applied to interior angles and any other areas that need it.
During this phase, it is important to take your time and do a thorough job. This ensures that the drywall is finished to your specifications and provides you with a surface that will look great under paint or wallpaper.
You can use either a sponge or a sanding board with fine-grit sandpaper to sand the surface of the drywall. Be sure to wear a dust mask, as this step can be very messy. Be gentle with the sanding process, as you do not want to damage the facing paper.
The final steps in drywall finishing are applying texture or special finishes and painting. Drywall is a material that is easy to work with, but achieving a professional-looking finish takes skill and attention to detail. By understanding the nuances of tape, joint compound, and mudding techniques, you can take your drywall project from bare bones to a well-crafted space.