- 1). Remove any peeling paint in the area where you will be skim coating.
- 2). Lightly sand the surface with medium-grit sandpaper if the paint has a gloss or semi-gloss finish. This will create a slightly roughened surface that the compound can adhere to.
- 3). Clean the wall with a damp rag to remove dust from sanding, as well as any other dirt and debris. If the wall is very dirty, you may need to use a mild dish detergent as well to get the surface clean. Wait for the damp surface to dry completely before proceeding.
- 4). Spread joint compound onto the walls using a broad knife. For a large area, an 8- to 10-inch knife will work best. You can handle smaller imperfections with a 4-inch knife.
- 5). Allow 30 minutes to an hour for the compound to dry. Lightly sand the surface to remove ridges or other imperfections. Apply a second skim coat and sand again if needed.
- 6). Leave the skim coat to thoroughly dry overnight. Wipe down the area with a damp rag to remove dust. Paint or wallpaper over the repair as desired.
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