8/10/2024

How to Prep Drywall Before Painting (Pro Checklist)

90% of a great paint job is prep. Here's the exact sequence we run on every interior.

Elegant master bedroom with a navy painted accent wall

1. Patch nail holes with lightweight spackle; let dry fully. 2. Skim larger dings with joint compound and feather edges. 3. Sand with 220-grit until smooth to the palm. 4. Vacuum, then wipe with a tack cloth — no dust, no adhesion. 5. Spot-prime every patch with a stain-blocking primer or you'll see flash. 6. Caulk every gap where trim meets wall.

Skip any step and you'll see it under the topcoat.

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