Exposed Drywall Paper
 

Can I just put primer on the paper before I mud over it, or do I have to go to Sherwin Williams and get this Gardz stuff? I already have the primer, so one less trip would be great.

Yes. Just make sure you use a quality Primer such as Killz

Why would you primer it before you mud?

Because the paper is exposed . . .

That's what I have.

Yoo prime before you PAINT, not finish.

Kilz is not necessary unless there is something on the drywall that could bleed through (oil, marking pen, etc.).

A standard drywall primer is fine, available at any home or paint store.

Do you mean the paper is ripped? Drywall paper is made to take mud. You may need to watch some DIY videos before doing this.

you mean the paper is torn?

http://www.do-it-yourself-help.com/i...wall-paper.jpg

If so, you need to carefully and cleanly cut out that area of paper with a utility knife so that only the damage layers of the brown paper are removed. You want to end up with a clean, smooth brown surface that looks like toilet paper roll. Then you DO need to seal it with an oil base primer such as Kilz.

Home Depot also offers paint with primer

White out....scotch tape.

You're welcome.

Yes, this is my problem. I cut out the paper that is torn, but I can't get it much smoother without taking off more paper. I'm using 220 grit. Do I need finer grit? Wet sand it?

Seal it up with the primer at this point. That will harden the last little bits and it will sand better for you. Do not wet sand torn drywall paper. That's just going to make a bigger mess.

Why not throw some mud on there?

Just a question from a non-professional, not a disagreement.

For the same reason you can't wet-sand it. Mud is going to moisten the torn paper and make it a mess. It won't sit down and dry properly without being sealed first.

In some cases, it will work - like if you're putting a heavy coat of mud on top that mud will harden and probably be fine but if you're just skimming, the paper will bubble, separate from the gypsum, and never sit flat for a nice finish.

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks!