Garage drywall – paint or leave as is

[Rot 911]

Just had my new garage insulated and drywalled. Now trying to decide whether or not to paint the walls. The garage is 26’ x 24’ with 9 foot walls. I’m thinking it would take forever to paint using a roller. This is going to be a garage that sees a lot of use. Lots of tools, lots of shelves. Not one that I’m just going to hang a bunch of pictures on the walls. Any thoughts on using a sprayer? Or should I just leave it as is. Appreciate any and all suggestions!

[Bob Kontak]

Prime it and paint it with a roller. Sorry.

I don't like sprayers. Just me. I like mechanical contact. I believe it promotes adhesion.

[stormin48061]

i'd paint it with oil base, say off white, just like a restaurant kitchen so you can clean it easier when you muck it up. also would prevent moisture absorption as well. i'd roll it as well.. my $0.02. you won't regret it.

[1990C4S]

What Bob said. It's not a huge job.

You will regret it if you don't do it now.

[RWebb]

Prime it twice and paint it with a roller. Sorry.

Sprayer just puts the paint up there. Roller pushes it into the material.

[billybek]

Paint it white.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I built a 1200 sq ft. shop a few years ago and faced the same decision. I had some guys put a cheap quickie coat of paint on it. A contractor buddy told me it would yellow over time and look worse. I spend enough time out there that I cared just a little what it looked like.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Just had my new garage insulated and drywalled. Now trying to decide whether or not to paint the walls. The garage is 26’ x 24’ with 9 foot walls. I’m thinking it would take forever to paint using a roller. This is going to be a garage that sees a lot of use. Lots of tools, lots of shelves. Not one that I’m just going to hang a bunch of pictures on the walls. Any thoughts on using a sprayer? Or should I just leave it as is. Appreciate any and all suggestions!

You’ll get more bang for buck with lighting if the walls were painted. Problem with a sprayer is the time to go pick it up, learn the tool, do the work, clean up, and return the tool might not be worth the added trouble.

You’ve got a clean sheet, a pro painter would likely give you a decent price because they could get in and out quick.

Alternatively, you could get an 18” roller and cut the rolling time down. Invest in high quality paint so you’re covering with fewer coats.

[wdfifteen]

It looks like crap if it’s not painted. I painted my new 24x48 garage with a power roller (not sure what it’s called). It’s a paint sprayer pump that pumps paint up to a roller. Way easier than a sprayer. The sprayer just delivers the paint. You’ll still spend time rolling it out.

[A930Rocket]

Prime, cut in and roll it gloss white paint.

You’re welcome.

[Rot 911]

Damn, I hate it when the group tells me what I already know! I guess there’s no easy way out of this.

[HardDrive]

2 coats of Killz, done.

[Scott Douglas]

When we moved into our house the garage was empty. Not dry walled but empty. I wanted to take the sprayer (my brother loaned me his Wagner airless) and shoot the garage since it was EMPTY.
Wife said I had more important things to do with my time, like fix some plumbing problems.

Fast forward, oh say 25-30 yrs, when we're repainting the garage floor. She suggests we EMPTY the garage and spray the walls so it's brighter in there.
Ain't ever gonna happen, as the garage is FULL.

Take the time to do it NOW, while it's EMPTY.

[john70t]

I'd use primer (not paint+primer) because of the mud.
Let that cure a few days at least.
Cut corners with 4". Use an extension rod. Pan and drop cloth on floor. Up/Down. Few hours.

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Damn, I hate it when the group tells me what I already know! I guess there’s no easy way out of this.

If there were an easy way out, for most anything, one of these mugs would have either heard of it or come up with it.

Don't forget the ceilings

Sorry

[spyerx]

Paint it! I even got fancy with 2 tone and some chair rail.

[Alan A]

Beadboard the bottom half.
Way less work than you think if you use the panels from HD.
Protects the walls from impacts and looks nice. Former the main reason, latter was a bonus.

[908/930]

Quick coat of prime then Paint with a roller with an extension pole easy and quick. I have a larger airless sprayer, used it once, used properly you have someone use a roller behind where you spray, so just a fast way to get paint on the wall. Also if you do not seal the drywall paper you can get mold growing on it, so proper paint helps seal it.

[Hugh R]

Paint it, with some gloss, otherwise it will suck up dirt. What $30 and an hour of work? It will take more time to prep the sprayer than drag out a roller.

[Baz]

Paint it! Something colorful!