FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Painting Drywall Repairs

noeln | Posted in General Discussion on December 31, 2010 02:30am

My husband and I need assistance on the best method to prepare drywall patches for painting.  We are finishing off our 3rd floor attic and the majority of the electrical in the attic had to be re-run to install joists.  Because of this the electrician had to make numerous cuts in the walls on the 2nd floor to remove and reinstall the outlets and light switches which were impacted by re-routing the electrical.

The openings have been repaired with the new drywall and are now ready for taping, mudding and sanding.  I am planning on using pre-packaged tubs of joint compound for the repairs. 

We are concerned that with the number of holes we must paint that the repairs will stand out unless primed properly.  Repainting each room seems inevitable but we don’t want to end up seeing the repair due to differences in texture and/or paint absorption. All the walls are painted in an eggshell paint by Behr or Sherwin Williams and have been painted in the last 3 years.

So here are our questions:

  • Is joint compound the best product to use?
  • What type of primer should we use?
  • Are there any other steps we can take to prevent the repaired areas from showing?  Besides hanging a lot of pictures!

Thanks for the help! 

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. renosteinke | Dec 31, 2010 03:03pm | #1

    Your challenge is matching the texture; after sanding, the patches will be much smoother than the rest of the wall.

    While there are special primers marketed for this use, for small areas you can make a 'paint' by thinning the joint compound and rolling it on. Then prime with an ordinary primer and paint as usual.

    If the wall already has a texture applied, you should probably hire it out.

  2. calvin | Dec 31, 2010 03:30pm | #2

    The post above is righton

    The only thing you can do is give the now smooth patch (compared to the previously painted surface) the appearance CLOSE to the surrounding wall.  What method you use is up to you-one that will make it close and by "over rolling" the area around the patch, will blend it in to near perfect match.  Figuring out the method is where the trick lies-whether a thick nap roller with primer, thinned compound to give it what's called "orange peel".............whatever.  Then there's the problem of painting to make look like 3 y.o. paint that you're not sure of the specific brand or "model" of the paint.

    If you got lucky and hired it out to a quality painter or remodeler you might get it perfect.  Doing it your self just adds a bit more difficulty.

    Best of luck!

  3. Piffin | Dec 31, 2010 06:41pm | #3

    After mud and tape and sanding, prime and paint the whole wall or ceiling. A path will always look like a patch otherwise.

  4. Piffin | Dec 31, 2010 06:41pm | #4

    After mud and tape and sanding, prime and paint the whole wall or ceiling. A path will always look like a patch otherwise.

    1. calvin | Jan 01, 2011 08:41am | #6

      Do you think priming the whole thing is necessary?

      Last paintjob was 3 yrs ago.

      1. DonCanDo | Jan 01, 2011 10:18am | #7

        Priming (or in this case, re-priming) can never hurt, but with today's better quality paints (I use Benjamin Moore), I think primers are usually not necessary. As an aside, I think that the paint with built-in primer is mostly about marketing.

        The main reason for priming interior walls is to insure consistent porosity to avoid "flashing".  An extra coat of paint over joint compound does this.  In fact, even when patching large areas, I will skim coat bare drywall so I can skip the primer.  It is possible to seal bare drywall with paint, but it takes an extra couple of coats to be effective.

        To match the texture of the repaired section to the rest of the wall, I like to use a roller to "prime" the repair.  While that dries, I cut in.  By the time I'm done cutting in, the repaired sections are usually dry enough that I can roll the entire wall.  Unless the wall has a very heavy texture from many coats of paint (or sloppy work), my repairs are invisible.

        Since flashing is much more noticeable on glossy surfaces, such as trim, they may require primer/sealer or an extra coat of paint.

        1. calvin | Jan 01, 2011 10:23am | #8

          So Don,

          in the O.P's case, you'd prime the whole wall ceiling or not?

          I'm curious because for one, I don't usually do the painting.  When I do, I prime the new patch, mud and blending roll coat.  The whole wall?  Never.  I don't see any sense in it if no color change and especially if only 3 yrs old.  If clean, what's the sense of priming an already painted surface?

          1. DonCanDo | Jan 01, 2011 11:07am | #9

            I'm assuming that the repairs are small enough so that there is no bare drywall.  In that case, I would not use primer at all.

            When I wrote that I would use a roller to "prime" the repair, what I meant is that I would use whatever paint is ultimately going on the walls to do that.

            I know I'm going against common wisdom by not recommending primer for repairs.  And I've often heard that primer should be used before any re-paint, but I've done a lot of painting and I only use primer under certain specif conditions.  A recently painted wall with many small repairs and an eggshell finish is not one of them.

      2. Piffin | Jan 01, 2011 11:25am | #10

        reason
        for DW, the primer accounts a lot for the finish texture. You can often spot a quickie paint job by where spot holes were spackled and no primer

        1. calvin | Jan 01, 2011 11:42am | #11

          Paul

          These are spot repairs, not whole wall.  I agree, prime the bare board and usually I'll seal the fresh sanded mud after blending in the "texture" with a roll coat (or other).  But, I won't prime the whole wall unless of course there's not much "whole wall" not painted previously.

          That's why I questioned the "prime the walls and ceiling", when this was a spot patch job, not a reboard.

          1. Piffin | Jan 01, 2011 12:10pm | #12

            It will depend how the light hits it.

            On most ceilings I always do the whole thing unless it's a junk room or something.

            A room full of can spots and track lights on the ceiling - you will never be able to tell, but one with light streaming across from windows, or a ceiling light that is a drop fixture will amplify any minor flaw.

            And don't forget, I have some of the worlds pickiest customers

          2. calvin | Jan 01, 2011 01:25pm | #13

            What, picky stops on the shores of that island?

            Don't kid yourself, money or new england gentry don't own all the stock in it.

            I'm talking priming.  Of course you would paint out the entire wall or ceiling.  And as far as making it disappear? whatever is necessary if that's what they want.

  5. User avater
    MarkH | Dec 31, 2010 07:19pm | #5

    You may want to search for "skim coating".  This is the application of a very very thin coat of compound over the entire wall to even everything up.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans

Hover's smartphone app offers an easier way to get precise 3D scans.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data