A newly completed section of wallboard is like a blank canvas. Wallboard, which is also referred to as drywall or sheetrock, is an easy surface to apply paint to. However, the finish coats of paint will have to wait until you have prepared the raw sheetrock to accept them. Once that's done, you can let your imagination and creativity determine the color, texture and finish of the top coats of paint.
Primer
Drywall sheets are coated with a thin layer of paper. This material must be sealed with one or more coats of primer to prevent it from wicking the moisture out of finish coats of paint. Before applying primer, you should wipe down the wall with a lightly dampened sponge to remove any dust. As an alternative, you could also use your cannister vacuum cleaner if it has a floor or carpet attachment.
Once the wall is clean, apply one or more coats of sheetrock primer. Many paint manufacturers, including Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, produce primer paints specifically for this purpose. Apply the primer coat(s) with a roller. Be sure to allow adequate drying time between coatings for optimum results. Once the primer has dried and cured it's time to apply the topcoats.
Finish
Interior paints are blended to create a wide variety of surface finishes. Many homeowners prefer to use semi-gloss paints. They do not reflect too much light and provide a soft background that doesn't clash with other decorative elements in a room. On ceilings, a popular choice is ceiling white with an eggshell finish. It is slightly more reflective than semi-gloss and helps move light around the room. For a bathroom, laundry area or anywhere additional moisture is present, a high gloss paint might be a better choice. It has a smooth surface which is easy to wipe down and keep clean. If you are having trouble deciding which finish is best for your project, try to obtain some some small sample cans of each finish type. Apply them to scrap pieces of wallboard and compare the results.
Application
To apply paint, cut in around trim, electrical outlets, etc., with a small two-inch brush. If applying latex-based paints, use a nylon bristle brush. For better results, use an angled nylon sash brush. These brushes are particularly useful when painting in corners and other tight places. Apply the balance of the paint using a roller. Roll the paint on slowly and evenly. This prevents spattering. Be sure to roll out any roller marks. When rolling on paint, working in at a slow rhythmic pace produces the best results. If your project will require a second coat, allow plenty of dry time after applying the first one. And don't forget to use a drop cloth to protect the floor from the occasional accidental drip.
Color & Texture
Paint can be mixed in any color you can imagine. Benjamin Moore even produces a paint which glows in the dark. Again, obtaining a small sample can of the color you think you like will let you "test drive" it on a piece of sheetrock scrap.
There are also many options when selecting the texture of your finish coats, including sand, glitter and metallic glaze. So take your time when pondering all of your paint options, to achieve the results you desire.
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