If you have just finished installing or repairing your drywall, the other significant process is to paint it. Not only does painting hide the work that was done in fixing, but it also adds beauty to your walls. One has to follow a number of steps very carefully in order to attain a professional-looking finish. Here is a complete guide to painting your newly repaired drywall like a pro.
Preparing the Surface
Good surface preparation is the key factor to any good drywall paint job that a painter emulates to create a pleasing result. Once you have fixed your drywall, then you need to make sure that the region which you have repaired is sufficiently dry. Based on the type of joint compound or spackle that one has used the waiting time may take up to 24 hours. All work should be done properly and the surface has to be allowed to harden before drywall repair and painting is done.
After washing the compound, check out for any imperfections that may be present in the compound after the washing process is over. Trim it to reshape the repaired areas and slightly gloss it with fine-grade sandpaper to polish the hardened ridges of the equal surface. Sanding is very important here because it soothes the surface that will be painted to prevent the likelihood of patches or lumps being seen after the painting. It is important not to be aggressive with the sanding so as not to harm the other parts of the drywall or leave a rough surface behind.
Following sanding, make sure you wipe the area and this has to do with dust and other particles of debris. Painting occurs on the wall and when there is dust it hinders or does not allow the paint to properly stick on the wall and this leads to a less than perfect finish.
Applying a Primer
It is very necessary to prime while painting newly repaired drywall. Sealing of the area is done through the use of a good primer and in the process, a smooth surface is provided for how to paint drywall. Sealing also assists in avoiding the areas that were repaired to be seen through the final clear coat of the paint.
For most cases, select a drywall primer or best, a high-bonding priming solution for more complicated repair work. Put on the primer and this should be done by brushing or rolling it over the area that has been repaired and some inches past the area. This technique assesses that the damaged spot should fit the surrounding wall and that is what is achieved using this technique.
It is also important that the cooler or the primer cools down and dries. The drying time also depends on the type of primer used and such factors as humidity and the air temperature of the environment. In most cases, follow the instructions given by the manufacturer in terms of the time it takes to let the substance dry. It is rather crucial to ensure that the primer is well dried before applying paint on the wall as this will ensure an even application of paint across the wall making it professional looking.
Selecting the Right Paint
To achieve a good result the choice of paint for drywall is critical for any painting job. Paint on interior walls, on the other hand, is usually of a high-quality latex paint because of its efficiency and durability. On the same note, latex paints also come in different types of finishes which include matt and glossy finishes among others thus giving you the freedom to choose the most appropriate one.
Some of the characteristics that can help in the selection of the right paint include the finish. Non-glossy finishes are also good to hide any flaws and imperfections and on the other side, eggshell sheen is slightly shiny and quite durable. If the wall is located in a conspicuous area or a blind, you may have to use a satin or semi-gloss finish because it is easier to clean as well as more resistant to wear.
Go for a paint that has a low or zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) value. These paints do not pose serious health risks to you than the traditional ones especially if you are using the paint in a room with restricted air flow.
Mastering the Painting Technique
As you are already ready with your surface prepped and primed and paint selected, it is now time to paint your item. As a first step, one needs to cut in around the edges of the repaired region. It is important to use a small brush to paint the areas that can’t be reached by roller for example the corners and areas close to trims. There is cutting in which the painter draws a straight line across the edges in a way that paint will cover every area that needs to be painted.
Then, apply the roller with medium nap which ranges between 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch for the bigger areas of the walls. When starting, use the roller to paint in the W shape so that the paint covers more area. This technique aids the spreading of the paint and also helps eliminate roller marks left on the wall. Do not add too much paint on the roller at one time this is because it may cause the paint to drip or look at the streak.
It is also important to ensure that you use paint in thin coatings as well. Varnishing is better done in successive thin coats so that one gets a thicker coating than it would get from applying it in one thick coat. Costly fur coats are heavy and some of them cause dripping and when it dries it is not evenly done.
Blending the Repairs
Some of the issues that one would encounter when painting sheetrock and drywall paint repair include: the new paint, should match that of the wall. It is therefore recommendable to use a practice known as ‘feathering. ’ The last technique is known as feathering whereby there is a slow transition of the colour painted and the existing colour of the wall.
While painting drywall, make sure that you put more strokes on the area that was repaired as well as on the neighboring wall. This blending technique is useful in avoiding the formation of seams or junctions where the new paint will adjoin the original one. If the area you repaired is still visible after painting and drywall the first blush you should not be worried at all. Let it dry completely for another couple of hours and spread more glaze and should it be required apply a third layer for excellent coverage.
Final Touches and Clean-Up
Next comes washing up with all utensils dishes and cutleries washed and put back into their appropriate areas. It is recommended that after the painting is done, the brushes, rollers and kinds of drywall and painting tools used ought to be washed under warm water with soapy water if the paint used is of the latex category. Cleaning will also ensure that you have a longer life on your tools before they require replacement so that the next time you’re working on a project, it will be very easy for you. Remove or wash, all, drop cloths and painter tapes used in undertaking the project.
It is good to air the room to allow any remaining paint fumes to clear the room as you concentrate on other activities. If you paint with high-VOC paints, create proper ventilation for a longer time to allow for occupants’ safety.