Finishing old drywall
#1
11-19-16, 02:41 PM
Finishing old drywall
I have an old house that has drywall hung, taped, and finished, but not sealed or painted. I've learned it was hung 8 years ago. It still looks and feels alright, but am wondering if I should replace or can just prime and paint (which I would prefer).
#3
11-19-16, 03:44 PM
Put a straightedge on it to make sure it's still straight but I agree as long as it straight and solid it should be fine. Humidity can degrade unsealed joint compound but that probably isn't an issue in your locale.
#4
11-19-16, 03:59 PM
Member
What would make you think it not OK to not just prime and paint.
Seams showing, screw pops?
We have no pictures and little info so where stuck guessing.
Sounds odd that it was finished that long ago and never at least primed.
Seams showing, screw pops?
We have no pictures and little info so where stuck guessing.
Sounds odd that it was finished that long ago and never at least primed.
#5
11-19-16, 04:07 PM
more info
It looks real good. I actually though they had just finished it until later when I learned otherwise. The only issues I see is some cracks along outer corners where it looks like the corner rounds weren't properly installed. It is also the "moisture resistant" drywall (purple in color).
#6
11-20-16, 03:22 AM
I've run across a lot of houses where the garage drywall was never finished. [most builders pay the painter by sq ft of living area so some balk at painting the garage for free] As long as the drywall is flat/solid I wouldn't be concerned with it. The unsealed j/c is the biggest concern.
I assume you mean the corner bead. Not all drywall hangers will nail the corner bead to the wall, some use a crimper instead. The latter is prone to fail. You'll want to repair those cracks prior to priming. Depending on how severe the cracks are and whether or not the bead is properly secured will determine the best course of action. It could be as simple as adding a little j/c to fill the crack, taping/finishing over the crack or adding nails to the corner bead and then j/c.
cracks along outer corners where it looks like the corner rounds weren't properly installed
#8
11-20-16, 09:50 AM
If you prime first and then texture you'll need to prime the texture before applying the finish paint. I normally advocate spraying the texture onto bare drywall but since it's set unpainted for a long time it's probably best to prime first.
#9
11-20-16, 10:08 AM
Group Moderator
One of the worst things about drywall going unfinished is that its not exactly washable...the paper will often get dirty and absorb things that will leave stains in the paint. If that's the case, a stain blocking primer might be advisable.
