What Do I Put Over Drywall Paste?

Sanding

• Each coat of drywall paste requires sanding after it dries, with the exception of the finish coat. Even with a smooth application the paste dries with small bumps and ridges that result in an uneven, hard-to-paint wall surface. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to remove no more than the surface of the paste. Avoid heavy sanding that completely removes the paste or damages the drywall paper beneath. The purpose of sanding is to only smooth the surface before applying more paste or finishing the wall.

Finish Coat

• Most drywall projects require at least two coats of paste to result in a smooth surface. The third and final application, called the finish coat, goes over the dried paste to give the wall its final texture. Create a bumpy splatter texture by blowing thinned out paste onto the wall with a sprayer, available for rent at some hardware stores. A rustic texture that resembles traditional plaster requires a thick coat of paste applied unevenly so some ridges break up the smooth surface. Make swirls by smoothing on the paste thickly using a circular motion.

Primer

• Applying primer over the dried drywall paste ensures an even surface for the final covering of paint. The paste can sometimes absorb paint applied directly to the wall without primer, which necessitates more coats of paint to result in an even color. Latex-based primers work best on drywall. The latex creates a seal so the paint won't soak into the drywall. Primer is necessary whether you are painting a new wall or covering a patch in a section of existing drywall.

Paint

• Painting directly on the drywall paste without a primer is rarely recommended, but if you choose to do so, use a latex interior wall paint. The latex creates a moisture barrier and results in more even coverage. A primerless latex paint variety is a better paint option if you choose to the skip the primer. These paints combine a primer's sealant with the color of paint. They don't work as well over new drywall or large repairs, but are fine for repainting existing drywall or covering a small drywall patch.