We just had some drywall patches done after a plumbing repair in our Coquitlam townhouse. How should the patches be prepped before painting?

Proper preparation of drywall patches is essential for an invisible repair, and skipping steps is the most common reason patch marks show through the final paint. After the drywall mud has been applied and has fully cured, the patches need to be sanded smooth and flush with the surrounding wall surface. Use fine-grit sandpaper, typically 120 to 150 grit, and a sanding block or pole sander to feather the edges so there is no visible ridge where the patch meets the original wall. Wipe down the sanded area with a damp cloth to remove all dust. The critical step that many homeowners miss is priming the patched areas before applying the finish coat. Fresh drywall compound is far more porous than the surrounding painted surface, so if you paint directly over it, those spots will absorb the paint differently and show up as dull, flat areas called flashing. Apply a coat of drywall primer or PVA primer to all patched areas and let it dry thoroughly. In Vancouver's cooler months, allow extra drying time since indoor humidity can slow the curing process. Once primed, lightly sand the primed patches with 220-grit sandpaper for a perfectly smooth base. For the best colour match, plan to repaint the entire wall from corner to corner rather than just touching up the patched spots, as sheen and colour differences are almost impossible to blend mid-wall. Ask your painter whether a full wall repaint is included in the repair scope.

---

Find a Painting Contractor

Vancouver Paint Contractors connects you with experienced contractors through the https://vancouverconstructionnetwork.com:

• SteelEdge Reinforcing Ltd. ✓
• Pacific West Floor Decor and Renovations ✓
• Adept Projects Inc ✓