Am new to this particular forum. Since I’ve just embarked on an ambitious effort to put some color into this house (we have the typical “contractor’s special”–beige— throughout). I’ve noticed that as the house has started to settle a little, there are a few nailheads that are showing just below the surface. Picky person that I am, would really like to do something to fix this rather than just paint over. Would appreciate some input!
Debby
Replies
If you pound the nails back in they'll just pop out again. The remedy is actually easy. About 1½ to 2 inches away from each popped nail, install a drywall screw. You could add a screw on each side of the nail if the wallboard is particularly loose. When installing the screws push on the wallboard so it maintains tight contact with the studs. The screw heads should be just below flush with the surface, but don't "break the paper" as they say, in other words, don't crush the drywall behind the screw, otherwise the drywall will not stay drawn to the wall. After the screws are in place, pull the nails out with pliers.
Your screws don't need to be very long. If you have only one layer of drywall, something around 1¼" is fine. Use coarse threads if you have wooden studs, fine threads if you have metal.
I recommend that the first patching of the old nail holes be done with the lightweight spackle, the kind that doesn't shrink. Then after sanding and wiping the dust away with a damp rag, you can do the final coat of patch with regular drywall compound, which is a little smoother.
Be sure you prime before painting. If you skip the primer the patched areas will absorb paint differently and look different.
Thankyou so much for your advice! I've printed off a copy and now I'll have to get over to the hardware store. Am so glad that you mentioned using the primer. Have heard before that it was a good idea to use prior painting, but never understood exactly why. :)
Debby