Drywall Painting: A Beginner's Guide To Success

Painting drywall for the first time can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and preparation, you can achieve a smooth and professional finish. It is important to start by inspecting and repairing any cracks, holes, or imperfections on the drywall surface. This may involve filling in any gouges or grooves with a drywall mud or paste solution and ensuring that the surface is smooth and free of dust or debris. Once the drywall is prepared, a coat of primer should be applied to ensure that the paint adheres well and the desired finish is achieved. After the primer has dried, you can begin painting, using a roller or brush to apply a thin and even coat of paint. Depending on the desired finish, multiple coats of paint may be necessary.

Identify the level of drywall finishing

The Gypsum Association, the wallboard's trade organisation, and drywall professionals have codified a set of professional standards that define the process of finishing drywall into five distinct levels. These numeric levels are not part of normal conversation, even for many experienced contractors, so it is best to discuss the effect you are aiming for.

Level 0 means that no drywall finishing of any type has been done. The drywall boards are simply fastened to the walls or ceiling. No taping, finishing, or accessories are required. This level is requested when the setup is temporary or if the architect or specifier has yet to decide on a look.

Level 1 is not meant for public viewing. It is usually found in tucked-away, closed-off areas like attics, service corridors, or utility closets. At this level, drywall joint tape has been embedded in the joint compound at the seams (joints). Nothing further has been done. All joints and angles will need to be taped, but no need to cover the tape with another layer of mud.

Level 2 is also not painted or textured. You can stop at this level if you intend to cover the wall surface with tile or if it's in a garage intended to be used for storage. At level 2, a thin coat of joint compound is skimmed over the tape, and the drywall screw holes are covered.

Level 3 is a standard interior drywall finish. At this level, the drywall finishers apply a coat of joint compound to the tape and screws. Walls that will receive a heavy texture, such as knockdown texture, can end at this level. After taping, joints and angles will need to receive an additional layer of mud, and your screws and corner bead will need to be covered with two separate layers of compound.

Level 4 is typically used when a surface is painted or covered with wallpaper. To achieve level 4, the drywall must first have embedded joint tape on all seams and corners. After this, installers apply two coats of joint compound over the seams, one coat over the corners, and three coats over the fasteners.

Level 5 is the highest possible level of drywall finishing and involves applying a skim coat, if applicable. A level 5 finish is a skim coat of joint compound (also known as mud) applied to a finish that you would normally leave at level 4. You need a level 5 coating when the finish will have glossy, enamel, or non-textured flat paint or when the light will be angled low enough to highlight bumps and depressions. Level 5 is a premium finish that does not come by default and will likely come at an added cost.

Prepare the drywall

Preparing drywall for the first time can be a simple process if you follow the right steps. Firstly, you need to inspect your drywall for any cracks, holes, gouges, or dings. If you find any, fill them in with drywall mud or another paste solution. You can also use mesh and a joint compound for larger holes and exposed seams. Once the wall is smooth and free of imperfections, use a sanding pole with 80-150 grit sandpaper attached to smoothen the entire wall. You can also use a sanding pole to sand the primer coat later.

After sanding, it is crucial to remove all dust from the drywall. Use a vacuum cleaner with a suction attachment, and then wipe the wall with a damp cloth or sponge to ensure no dust is left behind. You can also use a black cloth or towel to identify any remaining dust. If you still see dust on the wall, vacuum again. An alternative method is to mix one cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water and wash the wall with a sponge soaked in this mixture.

Once your wall is clean and smooth, you can apply a coat of primer. The primer is essential as it ensures the paint adheres properly and protects the wall from minor damage. Use a roller or paint sprayer to apply the primer, and allow it to dry completely. You can use a drywall primer or a premium acrylic latex primer for new drywall. If you are painting over existing paint, use a stain-blocking primer. Latex-based primers are recommended for a flawless finish.

Apply primer

Before applying primer to drywall, it is important to prepare the surface. Use a utility light to check for cracks, holes, or dents, and repair any damage with drywall mud or another paste solution. Sand down any rough spots with sandpaper, and then wipe down the wall with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dust. You can also use a vacuum cleaner, and then a black cloth, to ensure no dust is left behind.

Once the wall is clean and dry, you can begin to apply the primer. Use a roller or paint sprayer, and start by cutting in the corners, windows, doors, and fixtures with a tapered brush. Then, apply the primer in small strokes, following the instructions on the label. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying a second coat. The drying time will vary depending on the manufacturer, but it is usually at least two hours.

After the primer is dry, you can lightly sand away any bumps and ridges using fine-grit sandpaper on a sanding pad and extension pole. Dust away any residue with a dry towel, or use a damp towel or sponge and allow the wall to dry before painting.

Sand between coats

Sanding between coats of paint on drywall is not always necessary, but it is highly recommended in certain situations. The main reason to sand between coats is to achieve a flawless, silky-smooth finish. If you are using high-gloss paint, painting in a very well-lit area, or working on a project where the finish needs to be perfect, such as kitchen cabinets, sanding between coats is advisable. It is also beneficial when applying polyurethane over stain or raw wood.

Sanding between coats of paint on drywall can help improve paint adhesion. If the drywall has a lot of loose or peeling paint, sanding between coats can help remove it, allowing the new paint to adhere better. This is particularly important if you are painting over a surface previously painted with oil-based paint, as latex paint may not adhere well without sanding. Additionally, when painting metal or glossy surfaces, sanding between coats can scuff up the surface, promoting better adhesion for the subsequent coat of paint.

The level of drywall finishing you are working with will also determine the need for sanding between coats. For instance, Level 5 finishing involves aggressively sanding between coats, while Level 4 finishing may require sanding to knock down the previous light roller texture. If you are using cheap, flat, or heavy paint, sanding between coats can help mitigate the heavier nap textures that these paints tend to produce.

When sanding between coats of paint on drywall, you can use a drywall sanding pole or a sanding pad with an extension pole. Start with 120-grit to 150-grit sandpaper and go over the entire wall if you are seeking perfection. Alternatively, focus on specific trouble spots, such as paint bubbles, chips, or other imperfections. Remember to wipe down the wall with a damp cloth after sanding to remove any dust, as dust left on the wall will result in a bumpy final surface.

Apply paint

Once you've prepared your drywall by repairing any cracks or holes, sanding, and applying primer, you can begin the painting process. Here are the steps to apply paint to your drywall for the first time:

Select your paint type: Latex-based paints are recommended for drywall painting as they offer superior coverage, durability, and resistance to mildew. You can also use acrylic latex paint, especially if you're painting over drywall that has been painted before.

Choose your application method: You can use a roller or a paint sprayer to apply paint to your drywall. If using a roller, select an appropriate roller size and thickness for drywall, typically a medium 3/8 roller. If using a paint sprayer, ensure you have the necessary equipment and protection.

Prepare your paint: Follow the instructions on the paint can and properly mix or stir the paint. If using multiple cans of paint, combine them in a larger container and mix to ensure colour consistency throughout your project.

Apply the first coat of paint: Using your chosen application method, start applying the paint to the drywall. Follow the same techniques used when applying primer, such as "cutting-in" for corners, windows, and doors. Ensure you keep a "wet edge" with even overlapping strokes and rolls for a consistent finish.

Allow the first coat to dry: It is crucial to let the first coat of paint dry completely before moving on. This can take 24-48 hours, depending on the paint and environmental conditions. Touch the surface to ensure it is dry before proceeding.

Apply additional coats as needed: Depending on the desired finish and coverage, you may need to apply a second or third coat of paint. Assess the coverage after each coat dries and decide if more coats are necessary. Remember to sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.

Clean up: Once you've applied the final coat and it has dried, clean your equipment and inspect your work. Enjoy your refreshed drywall!

Frequently asked questions