Everyone prefers smooth, finished drywall. However, there may come a time when you notice minor dents and damage on the drywall surface. If you're wondering whether you can use paint to fill in drywall imperfections, keep reading! We've researched this question, and here is what we found out.
Although you can use paint to hide dents, cracks, and holes, it will not completely fill in or hide drywall imperfections. Using paint will only highlight the cracks and dents. Here are some methods you can try for hiding drywall imperfections:
- Apply high-quality paint
- Apply textured paint
- Use paint with a matte finish
- Use dark-colored paint
- Use eggshell paint
Cracks and minor dents in drywall can be inconvenient, especially if you aren't prepared to pay for a repair or repainting project. Continue reading as we provide detailed information on using paint to fill in drywall imperfections. In this post, we will also answer some frequently asked questions.
What To Do With Drywall Imperfections
Before choosing paint, you must cover the wall's imperfections and prepare the surface.
Proper preparation of walls will help hide the dents and cracks. You can sand the wall with sandpaper, starting with rough to fine sandpaper.
After you sand the wall, clean it with a cloth or sponge. Ensure the bumps are properly sanded so the paint will adhere to the surface.
Click here to see this sandpaper on Amazon.
How To Fill In Drywall Imperfections Using Paint
Paint will not repair or completely hide the imperfections of your drywall. Sanding and using a primer before painting will still be the best solution for hiding dents.
However, if you want a quick solution to hiding flaws without the expense of repainting the whole wall, proper preparation and application are needed.
Here are some ways you can cover drywall imperfections using paint:
Apply High-Quality Paint
When it comes to home maintenance, you will never regret buying high-quality paint. Although it can be more costly than other paint, it will ensure that the imperfections on your walls will be hidden. High-quality paint is also more durable and fade-resistant than cheap paint.
Apply Textured Paint
Most wall dents can be seen because of the different angles of light on the wall's surface. Luckily, textured painting can be a game changer when it comes to wall imperfections.
Textured painting means creating a roughly patterned effect on the wall. This painting technique will make the wall dents appear as if they're part of the style of the wall. You can use different texture painting techniques that suit your preference and needs.
You can easily do the textured painting yourself. Use a trowel, paintbrush, textured roller, or sponge to achieve the textured effect you want while covering the imperfections on your drywall.
Click here to see this textured paint roller on Amazon.
Use Matte Paint
Since we're talking about the reflection of light on the wall's surface, using flat finish paint or matte finish paint will reduce the amount of light reflection.
This will lead to reduced visibility of the wall's imperfections. This paint is perfect to use on walls with many bumps, scratches, and holes.
Use Dark-Colored Paint
Color plays a big role in covering or highlighting wall imperfections, so choosing the right paint color for your project is essential.
Many homeowners choose lighter colors when painting their home's interior and exterior because it looks elegant. However, dark-colored paint is best for covering drywall imperfections.
This is because dark colors absorb light and reflect less light than light colors. The only disadvantage of painting a room in a dark color is that it may appear small and subdued.
Use Eggshell Paint
Like flat finish paint, eggshell paint reflects less light, making it one of the best paints for hiding drywall imperfections.
It is easier to clean and more durable than flat finish paint. It's also more stain-resistant, making it perfect for use in hallways and children's rooms.
Other Ways To Cover Uneven Walls
Uneven walls are not attractive and can ruin the visual impact of a room. Luckily, there are other ways to fix them without repainting. Here are some options:
Go With Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way to hide wall imperfections when you don't want to use paint.
Wallpaper comes in different styles, colors, and sizes. You can choose a type that fits your preference and blends with the vibe of the room. Be sure to select high-quality wallpaper so it will last.
Click here to see this neutral-colored wallpaper on Amazon.
Add Mirrors
Mirrors, especially large ones, can add elegance and make a room appear bigger. They can also hide cracks, holes, and other imperfections.
Click here to see these mirror tiles on Amazon.
Install Wall Panels
Another great way to hide wall imperfections is the use of wall panels. They are good for hiding blemishes, adding style, and making a room more elegant. They can be installed in various patterns to fit the room's vibe.
Click here to see this 3D wall panel on Amazon.
Use Frames
Framed photos or artwork are perfect for covering wall damage. Adding framed artwork that is already assembled can add to the aesthetic of your space.
You can also add family pictures in a frame but make sure you use a thick frame in a color that contrasts with the wall to add some highlights.
Click here to see this wall frame set on Amazon.
Install Bookshelves
When you're tired of looking at your damaged wall but not ready to repaint it, you can use bookshelves or any other type of shelving as a cover-up.
Just put the bookshelves in the area where there are wall imperfections and add some books and other decorations to dress up the space.
Click here to see this 5-shelf bookcase on Amazon
Does White Paint Hide Imperfections?
Many contemporary homes feature white paint somewhere on the interior or exterior. White paint is clean and visually appealing, but it can be prone to dirt.
If your wall has imperfections, and you're planning to use white paint to hide them, you should take note that white paint will not hide the wall's blemishes.
While white paint can make the room appear bigger, elegant, and neat, it cannot hide drywall imperfections. The paint will only highlight and reveal imperfections. This is because the bumps and dents on the wall will appear darker than the white paint.
Can Paint Primer Cover Drywall Imperfections?
Applying paint primer is one of the first steps to achieving a perfectly painted wall. It creates a bond between the wall and the paint, making the paint more durable.
Like paint, primer will not completely cover drywall imperfections.
Sanding the wall before using paint primer and paint is still the best way to hide those imperfections. However, high-quality paint primers can fill in sanding scratches and minor surface dents.
Wrapping Things Up
Painting your home's interior and exterior can beautify it, increase its value, and even improve air quality. But when your home's paint is old, or you have a child who scribbles on your walls, you might want to know how to hide wall imperfections.
You can always use paint to cover wall imperfections. However, you should know that the paint won't completely hide them. Remember the tips we mentioned in this post for covering wall blemishes, and you're good to go.
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