Do You Have to Primer Drywall Before Texture? (Solved!)


Knowing the order of things can have a great impact on the outcome. The same can be said with Drywall. Should you use Primer before Texture, or doesn’t it matter much? 

You can Prime before Texture, but this is not necessary. However, it does have benefits. It helps with rough patches, paint falling out, and smooth finish, and enhances durability. In case you forgot or had already applied Texture, you can still apply Primer afterward. 

Most professionals would tell you that your Drywall will have a muddy appearance or it may affect the paint, but how true is this? And is having a muddy appearance really such a bad thing?

Do You Texture Before Or After Primer?

The answer to this question is different for each builder. While some would prime drywall before texturing it, others try to avoid it. 

But generally, priming Drywall before the Texture is considered beneficial as it prevents paint fallout and rough patches. It also offers durability and makes your Texture much more long-lasting. Most builders support this process because it’s easy. 

But doing it in that order is also beginner-friendly. That being said, in a tweak, you can always prime the Drywall after texturing as well.

Here are some other reasons why you should prime before texturing the Drywall:

Smooth Finish 

Priming before applying Texture makes your drywall level and provides an even and smooth base that if you’ve removed Drywall dust. Sometimes, drywall sheets touch the ductwork or the floor, creating a bumpy surface. Primer can eliminate this bumpy surface to offer a smooth finish. But if you’ve installed your Drywall backward, no amount of primer or texture could make it as smooth as it should be.

Enhanced Durability

Painting the Drywall, you have to be extra careful as you don’t want the Texture to fall out. Well, if you apply Primer beforehand, it will make the Texture long-lasting, making it easy for you to paint. This would also help with how long your Drywall lasts.

Better Adherence

Texturing drywall is certainly not a piece of cake. You need to put a lot of effort into ensuring the Texture doesn’t fall out. Applying Primer before texturing will make your drywall sheets stickier, allowing the Texture to adhere perfectly to the Drywall.

Do You Need To Texture Drywall?

Generally speaking, you don’t actually have to texture your Drywall. This practice covers flaws or gives your Drywall a more traditional look. It’s noteworthy to mention here that Texture does not make the paint work better. So, you can paint your Drywall even without applying Texture.

Does Drywall Have To Be Perfect For Texture?

The real question is, how smooth should Drywall be before texturing? Before you start applying Texture, You should always sand the surface first. The general rule of thumb is; that the smoother the drywall surface, the quicker and easier the sanding job will be.

While renovating your room, you have to choose between smooth Drywall and textured Drywall, depending on whether you want special faux finishes, paint, or wallpaper. The best thing about drywall installation is that it offers all sorts of finishing options. So, you can pick any option and use it to decorate your room.

Finishing your Drywall before applying Texture has several benefits. The most significant advantage of this practice is that it allows you to keep a smooth surface. If you have dealt with an uneven surface, you won’t have to worry about it while applying Texture. As a result, it will save your time and effort.

How Do You Prepare Drywall For Texture?

Well, there are multiple ways to texture drywall. As no two methods are the same, each one has its own pros and cons. While some techniques, such as the sand swirl, you only need a wide brush, others require high-end tools, like a hopper gun.

Before your Texture your Drywall, you have to prepare it:

  • Sand the Drywall – Prepare the Drywall for texturing using a sanding pole. You can use a rounded sander to remove the material quickly. Before you Texture, ensure your Drywall is as smooth as possible.
  • Prime the Drywall – If you prefer applying Primer before the Texture, you should prime the sanded Drywall. You can use a damp cloth to remove dust on your wall (before it makes you sick) and apply Primer near ceiling lines.
  • Create Compound Mix – Before you texture your Drywall, create the compound mix by mixing the water and the drywall mix.

Once you prepare your Drywall for texturing, pick any one of the following methods to Texture it:

Creating Slap Brush Texture

For this method, all you need are texture brushes and a paint roller for this method. If you also want to texture your drywall ceiling while ensuring you use the right type of Drywall, get yourself a pole for brushes and roller. 

Once you get the necessary tools, follow these simple steps:

  • Roll out the compound mix using the paint roller
  • Apply Texture on the Drywall using brushes
  • Use a taping knife to smooth out the edges
  • Let the Drywall dry and add another coat of Primer

Creating Sand Swirl Texture

This one is probably the simplest method to apply Texture on Drywall. For this approach, you only need a wide brush and follow these steps:

  • Load your wide brush and wipe away excessive compound
  • Start texturing near the ceiling
  • Texture the entire Drywall
  • Let your Drywall dry 
  • Apply another layer of Primer

Creating Orange Peel Texture

Lastly, we have the orange peel method. You’ll have to get an air compressor and a hopper gun for this method. Once you get the necessary equipment, follow these steps:

  • Adjust the air pressure
  • Practice on a scrap cardboard
  • Spray the Texture on the Drywall
  • Paint your Drywall
  • Add another layer of Primer
  • Let the Primer dry
  • Add up to 2 layers of paint to get a smooth finish

FAQs:

Can You Paint Drywall Without Texture?

Yes, you can paint Drywall without applying Texture. According to most professionals, painting Drywall without applying Texture is, in fact, easier and faster. However, if you are painting your Drywall without Texture, make sure to apply Primer beforehand.

That being said, some experts prefer texturing Drywall before painting it, as it can save a lot of time in the long run. Also, remember that while texturing is optional, priming your Drywall is crucial. You cannot paint your Drywall after hanging it. You have to mud and prime your Drywall before applying any paint coat.

How Long After Priming Can You Texture?

Well, the answer to this question depends upon the type of compound you are using. Generally speaking, you should wait for at least 24 hours after priming. During this period, your Drywall will dry and offer a smooth finish.

However, some factors, such as moisture content and humidity, can alter the dry time. So, instead of waiting for a fixed period, you should ensure the Primer is completely dry before you apply the Texture to the Drywall.

Recent Posts