Drywall Painting Tips
Painting Drywall
The most important tip is to make sure the drywall is in good shape. If it is bumpy, lumpy, or has holes here and there, that is what your finished painted project will look like as well.
You have to start with a smooth surface. Make sure that the drywall is smooth, where no nails are popped up, all divots from screw indentations are filled, joints where drywall sheets meet are taped down, and all necessary areas are mudded and sanded.
Also note that any spots not properly filled in, mudded, and/or sanded will show through the final coat of paint. And before you buy the paint; make sure you understand that the glossier the paint finish is, the more likely you will see any small imperfections in the end.
After you have properly prepared the drywall and chosen your paint, the next important step is to choose your brushes/rollers. Don’t buy the cheapest you can find, because a good quality brush may be a little more expensive, but it will allow the paint to gently flow on the drywall surface. Some brushes are made for certain paint types and textures, so read carefully before choosing your brush. For high wall areas, make sure you also use a roller pole for easier reach and flow of painting.
If you need to mark off the area you are painting from other areas, such as the trim or the floor, use painter’s tape. If you use duct tape or regular masking tape, it will ruin the surface which it was applied. Make sure you mark off any door hinges or jambs as well, as getting paint in there can affect how easily the door opens and closes.
And if you wonder to use primer or not, ask yourself this: is the drywall new? Is there a glossy paint already on it? If either of these questions is yes, then use a primer, or you will regret it later. The primer will cover over the surface and allow the paint to “stick” better to the wall.
The last word of advice is to be patient. Let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next coat. Use primer if necessary. Let the final coat of paint completely dry before removing any of the painter’s tape. If you remove the tape too soon, you may be taking some of the paint with it, and have to repaint those areas.
Happy Painting!
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About the Author: Allison Levy is an expert in the Environmental Field having over 15 years of experience working with government agencies and private industries. She graduated from the University of Maryland University College with a Master’s of Science in Environmental Management. Allison has worked in the field by conducting environmental, health and safety surveys/inspections on underground storage tanks, air quality, hazardous material, and the like.
