Construction · 3 min read

Drywall and Paint: How to Get a Smooth, Professional Finish

Why the prep work matters more than the paint.

Paint shows what is underneath

A new coat of paint does not hide a bad wall. It shows it off. Good results start with repairing cracks, nail pops and old patches before any color goes on.

Match the texture

Many homes have textured walls and ceilings. A smooth patch on a textured wall stands out as soon as the light hits it, so a repair has to match what is around it.

Prime your repairs

Fresh drywall compound soaks up paint differently than the wall around it, which leaves dull spots. Priming repairs first gives you one even finish.

Choose the right sheen

Flat paint hides flaws and suits ceilings. Eggshell works well on most walls. Satin or semi-gloss wipes clean and suits trim, doors, kitchens and bathrooms.

Test the color at home

Paint a large sample on two walls, and look at it during the day and at night. Florida sunlight can make a color look very different from the way it looked at the store.