Asked on Jan 07, 2014
Drywall priming?
by
Melissa
+7
We're new to working with sheetrock/drywall. We've mudded, taped, and sanded. Does it need to be primed or sealed before we paint?
9 answers
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Hi Melissa! Yes, you should prime the fresh sheetrock/drywall prior to painting. The sheetrock and mud will absorb paint differently. Some will say it's ok to just use a high quality paint with a primer built in but I have found it takes much more to cover correctly and therefore ends up costing more. If you are painting the walls a deep color, ask your paint professional to tint the primer for you. That will help you get even better coverage! All the best with your project!
Angela Davis- A to Z Custom Creations
on Jan 07, 2014
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Thanks, Angela. I think I'll go with primer vs the built in. I appreciate your recommendations!
Melissa
on Jan 07, 2014
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Always prime raw sheetrock and wood...you will never regret it! Paint covers better and you do not get bleed-through! Take this advice from someone who has dealt with about every homeowner problem in my 53 years of ownership!
Jeanette S
on Jan 08, 2014
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Always use a quality primer-sealer for your first coat. It is the foundation for any paint or wallpaper that you will ever use. Sheet rock is like a sponge, you will use much more of the expensive top coat forever. I just painted a large ceiling that had builders flat on it, I used 2 gallons of Zinsser's 123 but only 1 gallon of paint. A good primer sealer will also give you even coverage of top coat paint, make the wall more washable and protect the drywall. I have more info about priming here http://www.mypaperhanger.com/South%20Jersey%20Wall%20PREPARATION.htm
Seidman Paperhanging
on Jan 08, 2014
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Always "prime" it!
Maryann F.
on Jan 08, 2014
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Oh and make sure there is no dust on the wall, nothing sticks to dust.
Seidman Paperhanging
on Jan 09, 2014
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Yes prime! Drywall absorbs paint (and not evenly by way). If you don't prime you will have streaky walls and go through over twice as much paint as needed. Will end up costing you more if you don't prime.
Cynthia E
on Jan 09, 2014
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You should definitely prime with a PVA primer, very inexpensive. You should tint it to the color of the topcoat as well to get better coverage. If you do not prime, you will definitely have a paint failure. Some areas, especially dusty ones, will form air pockets and bubbles. If you prime with a tinted primer it will help you with the topcoat. If you are using flat paint, you may only have to do one topcoat if the primer is close enough in color. If eggshell, I would do two coats topcoat no matter what.
Promark Painting
on Jan 13, 2014
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Thanks so much. Have bought the primer, and the eggshell topcoat...ready to roll! I really appreciate all the good information that I have received here. Drywall ain't fun!
Melissa
on Jan 13, 2014
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