Painting the interior walls of your home can completely transform the look and feel of a room. However, if your walls have significant flaws like cracks, holes, uneven textures or stains, choosing the right type of paint is crucial for properly covering up these imperfections.
Assessing the Wall Condition
Before selecting a paint for bad walls, it’s important to thoroughly examine the walls to identify the specific issues. Here are some of the most common wall problems and how to fix them:
Cracks and Holes
Small cracks and holes can be filled in with spackle or drywall joint compound. Allow time for the filler to completely dry before sanding smooth and painting over. For larger holes, cut out the damaged section and replace with new drywall.
Peeling or Flaking Paint
If existing paint is peeling or flaking, you’ll need to remove the loose paint by scraping, sanding and then spot priming before painting. This ensures the new paint adheres properly.
Stains
For stains caused by water damage, grease, crayon, or other substances, apply a stain-blocking primer before painting. This prevents stains from bleeding through the new paint.
Texture Differences
If you have smooth walls and want to match surrounding textured walls, apply a matching textured wall filler before painting.
Glossy Surfaces
Glossy surfaces should be dulled with sandpaper before painting to help the new paint adhere.
Choosing the Right Paint Finish
Once you’ve prepped the walls, it’s time to choose the right paint finish for covering flaws:
| Paint Finish | Description | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Flat | No shine, opaque finish hides imperfections | Damaged walls, ceilings |
| Eggshell | Soft sheen, hides imperfections | Lightly flawed walls, ceilings, hallways |
| Satin | Soft gloss, fairly opaque | Walls with minor flaws |
| Semi-Gloss | Moderate gloss, not opaque | Trim, doors, cabinets |
| Gloss | Very shiny, shows flaws | Doors, trim, cabinets |
Flat or eggshell paints are ideal for hiding wall defects. The lack of shine helps conceal imperfections. Satin works for minor flaws but glossier paints will make flaws stand out.
Picking the Right Paint Sheen
Beyond finish, also consider sheen when selecting paint. Paint sheen refers to the concentration of resins in the paint that affect its glossiness. Here are the paint sheens from least to most shiny:
| Sheen | Description |
|---|---|
| Matte | Totally flat, good hide |
| Flat | Minimal sheen, excellent hide |
| Eggshell | Soft velvet-like finish, good hide |
| Satin | Smooth, slight gloss |
| Semi-Gloss | Some gloss, moderate hide |
| Gloss | Very shiny, poor hide |
| High Gloss | Maximum sheen, poor hide |
Matte or flat paints with the lowest sheen allow for excellent hide. Eggshell also conceals well. Stay away from glossy paint sheens if flaws need covering.
Paint Additives to Improve Hide
Beyond choosing flat latex paint, you can also use additives to make the paint thicker for superior flaw hiding:
| Additive | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Floetrol | Improves flow and coverage |
| Penetrol | Increases thickness and hide |
| Extender | Makes paint thicker |
| Primer | Seals and conceals flaws |
A paint extender helps thicken paint for hiding imperfections. Combining paint with a primer also builds opacity.
Applying Primer
One of the most effective ways to hide flaws is by applying primer before painting:
- Primers seal porous surfaces so paint looks uniform instead of splotchy
- Primer helps fill small holes and imperfections
- Stain-blocking primer prevents stains from showing through paint
- Tintable primer helps neutralize bold wall colors before repainting
Use a high-quality primer suited for flaw-hiding, like Kilz Premium or Zinsser Bulls-Eye 123. Apply a coat before standard wall paint for a flawless look.
Using Joint Compound
For damaged drywall, applying joint compound is key:
- Joint compound can fill dents, gouges and holes in drywall
- It sands smooth for seamless flatness before painting
- Joint compound comes premixed or as powder to mix with water
- Several coats may be needed for large repairs
Use joint compound to patch imperfections for perfectly smooth walls. Allow thorough drying between coats.
Applying Texture
Matching surrounding wall texture can help flawed walls blend in:
- Texture spray creates splatter, splashed or orange peel effects
- Pre-mixed texture paint adds slight texture
- Drywall mud can be troweled on to mimic knockdown or skip trowel textures
- Texture paint roller sleeves impart subtle stipple effects
Use wall texture spray or tools to recreate the wall finish, concealing defects.
Using Two Paint Colors
Sometimes using two colors of paint together hides flaws:
- Prime walls with a paint tinted close to final color
- Then apply the final color for full coverage
- The two colors prevent bleed-through and transparency
Prime with paint in a similar hue before the topcoat to prevent flaws showing through.
Applying Paint Thickly
Be sure to use the proper paint roller nap and application method:
- Use a 1/2 or 3/4 inch nap roller for thick, even paint layering
- Load roller fully and apply paint generously without thinning
- Use overlapping strokes, maintaining a wet edge
- For small flaws, dab paint to build opacity
Proper roller and technique allows paint to be applied more thickly to conceal imperfections.
Conclusion
Painting over damaged drywall or flawed walls takes some preparation and the right materials. To effectively cover imperfections, use high-hide flat or eggshell paint, add paint thickener, apply primer, patch flaws with joint compound, recreate wall texture, and use proper application techniques. With the right approach, you can give any bad wall a fresh, flawless look.