How to Paint Over Unprimed Wallboard
Painting is a big task that takes time to do properly. The last thing you want to see when you are done is your paint peeling off the wall, or worse yet, being scraped off the wall because you hit it with your fingernail. Painting over unprimed walls is a little risky. Using the proper tools, paint and painting technique helps to complete a well-done job. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sander with sandpaper
- Rags
- Spackle
- Putty knife
- Paint
- Paint roller
- Paint tray
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Remove all nail, tacks or other items protruding from the wallboard. Rip off any loose paper hanging from the wallboard to make for easier sanding. Be careful to remove only the paper and none of the wallboard.
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2
Sand over the entire surface of the wallboard to rough up the wallpaper that is covering it. Use a 120-grit sand paper. Wipe the surface of the wallboard with a damp rag to get rid of all the sawdust traces.
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3
Use a putty knife and spackle to cover any holes or cracks in the surface of the wall. Allow the spackle to dry for several hours to overnight, depending on how much you had to use and the humidity in the air.
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4
Sand lightly over the spackled places to make the surface smooth and flush with the wallboard.
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5
Buy a high quality wall paint. Find one that has a primer already in it for best results. Roll on one coat of paint. Do not try to put on too much paint at a time. Roll the paint on in thin coats for best results. Use the paintbrush for the difficult-to-reach places. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.
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Test the paint to see if it is completely dry by touching it with your finger. Add a second coat of paint. Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. Add a third coat of paint if desired.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not place furniture too close to the walls for several weeks after painting. Give the paint plenty of time to cure for the best adherence to the wallboard.
