How do I paint to cover imperfections in drywall?
by
Ann Burch
My bath walls need painting, but there are some smooth bumps that are visible from where drywall was originally installed, plastered and sanded over. When I apply fresh paint, I'm afraid these imperfections will show through.
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You might do a little bit of sanding before you repaint. I would use a fine grit sanding block or a palm sander with fine grit sandpaper to smooth things out. You are correct in your thinking when you are worried that the imperfections will show when applying fresh paint. If you sand, wash your walls to get off any sanding dust before you add new paint.
They will show thru. A coat of paint will not cover imperfections. Use a wide blade spackling blade and apply spackling or joint compound over the area. Sand when thoroughly dry with a drywall sanding block, very gently. Where the edges meet the old drywall you can smooth out with a damp rag to blend and make a seamless look. Put a coat or two of paint on top of this patch before you repaint. The drywall will suck up the paint and you will see it when it dries so painting JUST the drywall patch will make it blend much better when you paint the whole wall.
You should try to smooth out the areas that are bumpy. You can either sand the existing area or re-finish with putty and smooth out using a damp sponge.