How to Get Rid of Dry Spots With Semigloss Paint

Wash the painted wall with a cleaning product that contains tri-sodium phosphate, or TSP. Use a soft sponge to scrub the surface of the wall, especially the area surrounding the dry spots. Rinse off the soapy residue with a clean, damp sponge. Let the wall dry completely.

Prepare your painting area while the wall dries. Spread out a painter’s drop cloth or lay a piece of disposable plastic sheeting below the area of repair. Tape off any nearby surfaces with painter’s tape to avoid damage from unintentional smudges and drips.

Buff the surface of the dry spots with a piece of fine-grit sandpaper. Use minimal pressure to avoid damaging the underlying wall texture. Brush off the fine paint particles with a tack cloth, leaving the wall clean and free of dust and lint.

Apply a coat of paint primer to the dull, sanded spots, slightly overlapping the edges onto the undamaged paint. Use a brush to apply the primer, working the product outward from the middle, feathering the edges along the outside of the spots. Let the primer dry for the recommended amount of time, according to the product label.

Apply semi-gloss paint in a color that matches the rest of your wall. Spread the paint over the primed area in the same manner, starting in the center of the dry spots and working your way outward. Blend the outside edges of the repair by feathering them into the surrounding wall. Let the first coat dry, then apply a second coat of semi-gloss paint to even out any sheen irregularities and to ensure even coverage over the repaired area.