Even though Drywall mud is known to stick to almost any surface, this might not be the case when it comes to gloss-painted walls. However, you might be able to make it work, but if it’s worth your time and effort is something only you can decide.
Drywall mud does not stick well to gloss-painted or semi-gloss-painted walls. Due to the paint’s Oil-based composition, and the shine that makes the surface slippery, it’s tough for Drywall mud to adhere. You may be able to make it work by sanding the area and applying primer.
If you’ve already started and realized that your Drywall compound is not sticking, I’d strongly suggest waiting and reading this article. You might not only be able to save time but also a lot of frustration.
Will Drywall Mud Stick To Gloss Paint?
Like Plywood, Drywall mud doesn’t stick to gloss paint, and one of the main reasons is that it’s an oil-based paint. But even if you find non-oil-based or semi-gloss paint, the rough surface or the shine (which makes the wall slippery) would still affect the adhesiveness.
Unfortunately, that’s not all. There are some additional possible challenges you could face if you decide to go on with this.
- Cracks Appearing
Preventing cracks is one of the most important things you should aim for when using Drywall on your walls. Similar to the necessity of taping Drywall to prevent future cracks. The same thing happens after putting Drywall mud on gloss paint. To provide a smooth, equal appearance where parts meet, drywall mud is used on top of drywall tape in such areas. Taping and bedding refer to this procedure. If this work is done poorly, the drywall may develop cracks, and the tape may come off.
- Time-Consuming
Another challenge is that you will have to follow tedious procedures of removing gloss paint from the walls and cleaning them to get a rough surface to work with. This wastes a lot of time, so it is always better not to use drywall mud over gloss paint. Start with a clean surface and put gloss paint at the end.
- Wastage of Resources
The wall may look fine even if you get done with the job. However, the wall will not be sleek for a long time; it may develop cracks and become ugly. This will waste all of your resources as well.
What To Do If Drywall Mud Doesn’t Stick To Gloss Paint?
Now, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible; it’s just extremely difficult. You can make it work, but if you can avoid it, I’d probably personally prefer to use some other type of paint.
But let’s just say you’re already halfway through your wall, and there is no turning back. What can you do if it doesn’t stick?
You can follow these steps to help it stick, but it’s not a guarantee.
- Etch the surface.
- Make sure to apply any rough tape or other material on gloss paint so that mud can adhere.
- Figure out the thickness and the amount of Drywall mud. Apply several thin layers of drywall mud after each layer dries out.
How To Stick Drywall Mud To Gloss Paint?
Now, if you really want to do this, then I’d say let’s do it correctly from the start so we can have the best result.
After completing the drywall process, uneven patches over your gloss-painted walls may be visible. You can and should fix those by following a few simple steps below. Depending on the type of Drywall mud you currently have, it can be a blue or green lid. They both have advantages, but to know their main differences, I recommend reading this article. Why is this important, you say? Well, the green lid (aka all-purpose) one is actually the best option if you want it to stick.
Step 1: Wash The Walls
To start, use trisodium phosphate (TSP) to remove grease, grime, or other material from the walls. A powerful cleaning agent like TSP also etches the wall’s surface, enhancing mud adhesion.
If not appropriately treated, trisodium phosphate can be harmful. TSP should be handled cautiously, and all safety recommendations should be followed.
Step 2: Scrape Off Loose Drywall
Use a paint scraper to gently remove any loose drywall before continuing. Dust off any last bits of loose wall debris using a clean, dry microfiber towel or paintbrush.
Step 3: Make Sure To Apply Drywall Primer
Apply drywall primer evenly to the wall with a brush or roller. Then let it dry.
Step 4: Now Use the Drywall Mud
Fill in any “low” areas or divots created before, such as by earlier paint removal, using drywall mud and a drywall blade. Dry the mud entirely by smearing it.
Step 5: Dust and Sand the Wall
Sand the drywall until it is flat with the wall. Then, wash and clean the walls once more to get rid of any accumulated dust.
Step 6: Apply The Final Drywall Mud Coat
Renting a spackling compound pistol and shooting the walls in an orange-peel pattern will help you avoid flaws. Allow the mud to cure after using the spackling compound gun, and then softly go over it with a trowel to eliminate any sharp points. Allow the mud to finish drying after that.
Step 7: Paint the Wall
Now that you are done putting the mud over a gloss-painted wall, you can finally add finishing touches to the wall with paint.
If you are still confused about the process, you can watch the video below to get a clearer idea.
FAQs:
Can You Mud On Top Of Paint?
Yes, you can if it is the flat interior paint and if you’ve cleaned Drywall dust before you painted the wall. However, the drywall mud’s capacity to adhere over the long run is reduced if you attempt to mud over shiny paint, such as a semi-gloss or gloss enamel. Applying a liquid paint Deglosser to the area or roughening the paint surface with sandpaper can help long-term results.
Can You Plaster Over Gloss Paint?
Yes, you can. As long as the wall has received a sealed coat of adhesive before plaster is applied, plastering over paint is fine. Before plastering, allow it to dry for 24 hours. Then, apply a thin coat of bonding or hard wall.
Should I Prime Before Applying Joint Compounds?
Yes, you need to prime in cases of putting mud over glossy paints. You don’t have to apply primer before the joint compound on already painted surfaces. Primer is not required for adhesion with joint compounds because it clings well to numerous textures. Also, make sure to remove any Compound dust before you use primer for the best result.