Drywall, also known as plasterboard, is a popular building material used to create the interior walls and ceilings of homes and commercial spaces. Typically installed in sheets, drywall is made of gypsum mixed with water and spread between two large boards of paper.
However, drywall has certain characteristics that require special attention when decorating. It is highly porous, meaning it can absorb moisture from paint or primers unevenly if not properly prepared. This can lead to issues like uneven finishes, paint peeling or bubbling.
Yes, drywall and plasterboard are the same.
However, drywall and plaster are two very different materials in practice.
Start by ensuring your drywall is free of imperfections and complete any necessary repairs, making sure that the surface is smooth before painting. If you find significant imperfections like holes, scratches, or peeling drywall paper, carefully sand the affected area and apply joint compound to smooth it out.
Next, lightly sand the surface with a sanding paper above 200 grit, making sure to lightly pass over the wall to improve its porosity.
Finally, inspect the drywall for any dust or shavings and wipe the wall down with a slightly damp towel and allow to dry.
Priming drywall is essential. A primer serves as a crucial adhesive layer between the drywall and the paint, ensuring proper adhesion. Without it, factors like heat, moisture, and other environmental elements can cause significant issues and the paint may fail to adhere correctly, leading to bubbling and peeling.
Prime with one full coat of Zinsser Drywall Pro 2-in-1 or Zinsser Gardz, allowing a minimum drying time of 3 hours in normal drying conditions. Both products are applicable by brush, roller or sprayer.
Benefits of Zinsser Gardz
Benefits of Zinsser Drywall Pro 2-in-1
After properly removing any imperfections and priming the drywall, you’re then ready to paint. Ensure that the primer is completely dry before painting, allowing a minimum drying time of 3 hours.
We recommend decorating with two full coats of Zinsser AllClean. For areas prone to high levels of humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, decorate with Zinsser PermaWhite. Apply with a brush, roller or airless sprayer, allowing 2 hours drying time between coats. Allow 7-10 days to fully cure.
Benefits of Zinsser AllClean
Benefits of Zinsser PermaWhite
We recommend priming with one full coat of Zinsser Drywall Pro 2-in-1 or Zinsser Gardz. Allow a minimum drying time of 3 hours between coats.
First, complete any repairs, making sure that your drywall is free from imperfections such as holes or mudding paper. Smooth out the wall with joint compound then lightly sand the surface before wiping the wall down with a damp cloth before allowing to dry. Make sure to remove any dust, debris or anything that could interfere with the paint adhesion. Next prime with either Zinsser Gardz or Drywall Pro 2-in-1.
Wearing a dust mask, use a handheld brush to lightly dust off the walls from top to bottom, making sure to also sweep the dust from the floor. Use a wide or brush nozzle on your vacuum cleaner to clean the drywall, starting at the top and working downward. Don’t press too hard and keep the pressure light to avoid embedding the dust into the paper.
For small areas, a tack cloth works well to lightly wipe away debris, again, making sure not to press too hard. Wet and ring out a drywall sponge and begin wiping at the top of the wall, gently pulling the sponge in downward strokes. Frequently rinse and ring out the sponge between strokes and change out the water when it gets murky.
Yes, however if the drywall tape shows under the joint compound, the coating is too thin. There should be three coats: a tape coat, filler coat and final coat. Covering the tape comes only with the final coat.
No, you cannot paint directly over torn drywall paper. Prime the surface with Zinsser Gardz to repair torn paper and eliminate bubbles.
More Information
Hanging Paintings on Drywall
To hang paintings on drywall, first determine the weight of your artwork. For lightweight pieces, use picture hanging hooks or adhesive strips designed for drywall. For heavier pieces, locate a wall stud using a stud finder and use screws or wall anchors to securely hang the painting. Mark the spot, drill a pilot hole if needed, and insert the hardware before hanging your artwork.
How to remove mould from drywall
Zinsser Mould Killer and Remover effectively kills and removes mould, fungus and algae. Remove all visible signs of organic growth and simply treat the area with Zinsser Mould Killer and Remover, spraying directly onto the surface to be treated. Allow to dry before painting.
Can I tile over painted drywall?
According to British Standards guidelines, papered or painted surfaces are not recommended for tiling. Emulsion paint should ideally be removed, as it can interfere with the adhesion process when laying tiles.
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