Paint covers colour, not damage. Every flaw in a wall will still be there under a new coat, and shinier finishes and strong window light make flaws easier to see.
- Paint doesn’t hide damage
- Nail pops and cracks need filling and sanding
- Holes need patching and feathering
- Water stains need the source fixed first
- Repairs should be primed before painting
Nail pops and small cracks
Nail pops happen when a fastener pushes out through the drywall as lumber dries, and hairline cracks appear at corners and around windows and doors. They’re filled, sanded smooth and spot-primed so the repair doesn’t flash through the paint.
Holes and dents
Small holes from anchors and nails are filled and sanded. Larger holes need a patch to give the filler something to hold, and the edges are feathered out so the repair disappears into the wall.
Water stains
Brown stains on a ceiling or wall mean water has been there. First find and fix the source, or the stain will return. Then the area is sealed with a stain-blocking primer, and damaged drywall is repaired or replaced before painting.
Why repairs come before paint
Repairs left unprimed can absorb paint differently and show as dull patches. Doing the repairs, sanding and priming first gives a consistent surface, so the finish coat looks even. It’s the step that separates a quick coat from a good job.
Where it fits in the job
Repairs are part of the prep for any interior job. In older houses there are often more of them. See our guide to the painting day, and read about our drywall repair service.
Quick questions
Will repairs show through the paint?
Not if they’re sanded smooth and primed. Skipped priming and rushed sanding are what make patches visible.
Should I fix a water stain myself?
Find and fix the leak first. Painting over a stain without sealing it, or without fixing the cause, usually means it comes back.
Have cracks or stains to fix? Tell us about your walls and we’ll include the repairs in the quote.
