I'm trying to figure out if my drywall finish is good enough to start painting with Color Atelier's limewash paint, which has a flat finish. The contractor applied two coats of mud, sanded it down, and said it's ready. It feels smooth, but I can see some minor scratches from sanding. Since I'm using a pretty pricey paint, I want to be completely sure before I proceed. I painted a test patch in the closet and included some photos to give you an idea of how it looks (disregard the edges since I used a roller). I would appreciate any tips on whether I need more work done. Thanks!
Edit: Here's a close-up under bright light.
3 Answers
I’d say it’s looking like a Level 2 finish, especially because that butt joint isn’t floated out enough. Ideally, for a quality Level 4 finish, they should have floated at least 12 inches on either side of the seam. Just make sure they touch up the joints well before you paint.
I've worked with Color Atelier limewash paint before, and it's crucial to use their specific primer beforehand for proper adhesion. As for your current wall finish, I think it could be ready, but it depends on how confident you are with those mudding imperfections. Maybe ask your contractor to ensure it’s all smooth before moving forward with the limewash.
From what I see, you’ll want to add a bit of mud to that last photo to cover those holes; otherwise, they’ll stand out after painting. A helpful tip is to lightly circle imperfections with a pencil so your contractor knows exactly what to fix. Just a heads up, no finish is ever perfect. I had mine done professionally six months ago and still find flaws every now and then! Also, definitely use a standalone primer since it gives better results, especially with lighter paints.