Primer is the first layer of paint applied to a surface. It seals the surface it is applied to, gives the paint a good bonding surface and helps prevent moisture from getting in.
When working on your remodeling project, it’s common for drywall dust to get everywhere. It goes on everything. It sticks to everything. And it makes everything look dirty. But how bad is it really? Should you even bother to clean it before applying primer?
Yes, you need to remove the drywall dust before you start priming. Drywall must be properly cleaned and prepared before the primer can be applied. Cleaning the surface by sanding first, then vacuuming and wiping the wall with a cloth removes dust and ensures that the primer and paint will adhere properly to the surface.
In addition, dust will show if you fail to properly clean and prepare the surface and affect the final result of the paint job. Dust can ruin a paint job faster than you can put it all together.
This way, you can help ensure a long-lasting, professional-quality finish and prevent any problems that may arise from dust interfering with paint adhesion (such as peeling and flaking).
The good thing is that there is an easy way to remove drywall dust. This guide will show you how to complete it before the main event. It may be a challenge, but you can do the job.
We will now take a look at how you can clean the drywall dust so that it is ready for priming and possibly one or more coats of paint.
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How to remove drywall dust before priming
First, you will need to use a vacuum cleaner. It is important to use the brush attachment so as not to scratch the wall itself. To get started, you’ll want to start at the top and work your way down.
Move the vacuum brush from left to right as you go, in a slow and steady motion. Make sure you get every part of the wall. Even if you don’t see any dust, it’s probably there.
After vacuuming, wipe it with a microfiber cloth starting from top to bottom. Again, don’t skip any places. Once it’s wiped, it’s time to wash it.
The mixture of mild dish soap and cold water, followed by another separate bucket of just cold water. Wash the mods in a 3 foot by 3 foot section using the soapy water mixture. Then rinse with cold water in a separate bucket.
Continue washing the entire wall and change the water if you notice it getting dirty. You want the water to be clean at all times. Getting the walls dirty will defeat the whole purpose.
The last step will be to let the wall dry. Once dry, you’ll want to rub an old t-shirt or black cloth on the wall. You will want to see if there are any traces of drywall dust. If it is still present, you will want to repeat the process until there is no drywall dust left.
How do you prepare a wall for priming?
First, you’ll want to clean the wall you want to prime. You can use a sponge and warm water. If the wall itself has dirt or oil, you can use a mild soap and water mixture designed to reduce grease. Once it is washed, you can wipe the wall with a damp cloth.
It is important to make sure the wall is dry before applying the first coat of paint. Otherwise, it will be a disaster waiting to happen. Not to mention, you’ll also be dealing with some blisters.
Besides washing it, here are some other tasks you can do:
Remove any mold
The mold must be cleaned before the paint is applied. In fact, you shouldn’t paint over mold at all. This will continue to damage your walls even if you apply a new coat.
You want to mix three to four parts water to one part bleach. Apply it to the moldy areas and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, use a soft brush to wipe it off and rinse the area.
Make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves before so that you can do the job safely without harming your skin and eyes.
Sand the surface
Sanding the surface will be essential. You can use a pole sander where you cannot reach parts of the wall due to its height. Although it may not be a must, it is always a good idea to work with a smooth surface.
It’s better to paint like this than deal with uneven surfaces. If the wall was previously painted with glossy or glossy paint, smoothing the surface should be the best option. As for the type of sandpaper you need to use, it will depend on the paint that was used in the previous coat.
For example, if the previous paint was water-based, fine-grit sandpaper (or 80-grit sandpaper) will be the best option. If the paint is oil-based, find a medium-grit sandpaper, such as 150-grit sandpaper. After it’s sanded, be sure to wipe off any residue and make sure the wall is completely dry.
Prime the wall
You can then prime the wall using a good quality primer such as one from Sherwin Williams. When applying paint, be sure to use good quality painting tools such as a paint roller.
Paint as usual
Adding primer before painting will give the best results. At this point, after you have primed the surface, you can then apply the paint itself.
Be sure to install any painter’s tape so that it does not paint over the edges or moldings that are installed on the wall. Add layers of your favorite quality paint using a 9 inch paint roller and you should get the best possible results.
It may take several coats of paint to complete the job. But as long as you’re painting on a clean, dry surface, you should be good to go from start to finish. It is better than neglecting the dust and debris on the wall and having it turn out to be defective.
Final thoughts
If you want to paint a wall, it would be best to prime the surface. However, drywall dust can be a problem. Therefore, it might be a good idea to consider cleaning everything before you start.
You may be considering a DIY project that requires priming and painting. When you have a smooth and clean surface, it makes things a lot easier. As always, make sure you have the right paint and supplies so it comes out the way you want it to.
Next steps
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