Drywall and painting in Ottawa.

Joint compound and paper face absorb paint differently from previously painted surfaces. Without a primer, the repaired area can look duller or shinier than the rest of the wall — known as flashing. Priming the repair, and often repainting the whole wall corner to corner, is what makes a patch disappear.

See also: Drywall patching

Flat paint in a dim room forgives more than eggshell or semi-gloss under strong side light. Where walls face large windows or will take a sheen, a higher finish level, such as a full skim coat, may be worth it. See our drywall finishing page for how finish levels differ.

See also: Drywall finishing levels · Taping and mudding · Gypsum Association (industry finish standards)

Painting is part of what we do, so both stages can be covered in one estimate. What is worth confirming in writing is the detail: number of primer and paint coats, whether ceilings, trim and doors are included, who supplies the paint, colour selection and how furniture and floors are protected. Writing this down avoids gaps between the drywall and painting stages.

See also: Drywall cost guide