A drywall is a panel made out of calcium sulfate, sometimes featuring additives, and typically extruded in between thick sheets of backer paper. It is most commonly used in construction, especially for interior walls and ceilings.
But as part of the interior of your home, you might find yourself wanting to give it a makeover, like painting over it in a different color. So how would you go about this? Can you simply paint directly on the drywall?
Technically, nobody is stopping you from painting directly on the drywall. But…it isn’t really going to work. Drywall absolutely needs a base layer of primer in order for the paint to adhere to it properly, so without it, the paint job will not be successful.
If you do not prime the drywall before painting it, the paint will not adhere properly, causing it to be a lot less durable, and risking it from coming off. Also, in humid weather conditions, the paint will almost certainly peel off from the drywall unless you have used a primer beforehand, so it’s pretty important that you do!
So to sum it up: no, you cannot paint directly on drywall. You need to use a drywall primer beforehand.
What paint do you use on drywall?
If you do decide to paint your drywall, it is important to know which paint you are able to use successfully. There are different types of paint that you could potentially use on drywall. However, the best possible paint to use, for the best results, is acrylic latex paint. This will adhere to the surface the best and will offer the smoothest and most professional results. Not to mention that it will be the easiest to apply properly.
As for the primer, the best one to use would be a premium acrylic latex primer, if you are painting the drywall for the first time. If the drywall has already been painted previously, and you are essentially repainting, then you should use a stain-blocking primer, as this will also help remove scratches and imperfections, allowing the end result to look as smooth and as professional as possible.
What happens if you don’t paint drywall?
Drywall isn’t quite as durable as plaster or other interior construction materials, so as a general rule, it is best to paint it. If left unpainted, it will not be as long-lasting or durable, and it will not be as protected as it could be against weather conditions such as moisture and others. Painting the drywall will also give it the proper appearance that it is known for!
So basically, you will need to add the appropriate primer, and then around two layers of paint, finished off by a sealer for the best and most professional results. That way, the drywall in your home will look a lot better, and will also be more durable and better protected!
Do I need to prime drywall before painting?
As a general rule, yes. Drywall needs to be primed with a base coating of appropriate primer before you start painting it. Priming the drywall will ensure that the paint adheres to the surface properly, therefore avoiding the risk of the paint peeling off after some time.
It will also protect the paint from cracking any time there is a significant change in the temperature and environment, as drywall is quite sensitive to moisture and temperature.
You should use a primer the first time that you paint drywall, but you should also use a primer whenever you repaint, despite there already being a layer of old paint on the surface. This is because it is super important to ensure the paint has a solid base for a good grip, even when the temperature shifts.
But priming your drywall before painting isn’t the only prep work you need to take into account. Here is everything you need to do before painting your drywall:
- Make sure the drywall is in good condition, with an even and smooth surface. You might find that the drywall has gouges or dings, in which case you will have to fill them up using a paste solution such as drywall mud.
- Use a pole sander to sand down the surface of the drywall, so that you make sure that it is completely smooth and even.
- Remove all of the dust from sanding. For this, you could use the suction of a vacuum cleaner!
- Thoroughly clean the surface of your drywall. For this, it is recommended that you take a solution of white vinegar and water, and apply it with the use of a sponge or cloth. This will completely wash the drywall while being gentle.
- Let the drywall dry. If any moisture or dampness is present when you start painting, the paint will be prone to cracking and peeling, which is less than ideal. So give it enough time to be 100% dry!
- Once you have completed all of the above steps, it’s time to apply the base layer of primer to the drywall. This step is vital, as it will ensure that the paint adheres properly and that the drywall is more durable and less susceptible to changes in temperature or moisture.
The best primer to use on drywall is a premium acrylic latex primer. But if you are repainting the drywall, instead of adding paint for the first time, then it would be best to use a stain-blocking primer instead!
Is drywall primer the same as paint primer?
No, drywall primers are not the same as regular paint primers, they are slightly different. Drywall primer will be specifically formulated to adhere to the drywall surface, almost in a glue-like manner. It then creates a smooth surface that the paint can better adhere to, as well as adding a layer of protection to the drywall itself so that it is more durable.
