How to Paint Over Sheetrock Compound

Sheetrock compound is often used to create a textured effect on walls, but may not match the rest of your room decor. A professional painter can smooth down and paint over sheetrock compound-covered walls, but hiring a professional can be costly. Instead, purchase inexpensive supplies and tools from a hardware or home improvement store, then smooth and paint over the sheetrock compound walls yourself. This enables you to save money while creating the smooth, painted look you seek.

Sanding buffer
Sanding disc, fine-grit
Paintbrush, 3-inch flat
Shop vacuum
Paint tray
Paint roller

Instructions

- 1
  Allow any damp or fresh sheetrock compound to dry completely for 12 to 18 hours before starting to prepare and paint the wall.
- 2
  Sand the surface of the sheetrock-compound-covered wall using a sanding buffer with a fine-grit sanding disc. This will create a smooth, even layer on which you can apply the paint.
- 3
  Dust off the wall using a 3-inch flat paintbrush, then vacuum the wall and surrounding area using a shop vacuum to remove any dust and debris caused by the sanding.
- 4
  Pour latex wall paint into a paint tray, then coat the paintbrush in the paint. Apply the paint along the corners and edges of the wall.
- 5
  Apply latex wall paint over the entire surface of the wall using a paint roller. Allow the wall to air-dry for 12 to 18 hours.
- 6
  Apply a second layer of latex wall paint as you did the first layer, then allow the second layer of paint to air dry for another 12 to 18 hours.

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