I recently removed some granite backsplash pieces from my kitchen, and it ended up tearing off the top layer of my drywall, leaving the brown, fibrous paper exposed. Is there a way to prepare this area for primer and paint? I'm worried that painting directly over it will soak into the paper or create an uneven finish. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Before you do anything, make sure to trim off any loose bits of the drywall paper. Then, you'll want to apply an oil-based primer like Kilz Original to seal the damaged area. After that, a coat of drywall mud is necessary to level it out with the surrounding drywall. Just a skim coat should do, and don’t forget to sand after it dries. If you skip the primer, the mud will suck up moisture, and you’ll end up with blisters beneath the paint.
Here's a step-by-step for you: Start by trimming the rough edges with a razor knife. Apply a barrier like Kilz Premium on the exposed areas to make them water-resistant. After that, smooth on some drywall mud, extending it a bit over the rough edges. Let it dry completely, sand it smooth, and repeat until it looks good. Finally, prime it lightly and paint with a roller to blend it in nicely! You may need several light coats to get it just right.
You might want to look into using GARDZ instead of a regular oil-based primer. It seals the brown paper well and allows you to apply drywall mud on top without issues. Just brush or roll it on, then you'll be set to mud, prime, and paint! It’s more effective in this specific case compared to the usual primers.