I’ve actually tried a gray-tinted primer once—honestly, it did help me catch some spots I’d missed with the mud. Downside is, if you don’t get full coverage with your paint after, those patches can peek through. Not a dealbreaker, just something to watch for.
I totally get what you mean about the primer showing through—been there, got the patchy walls to prove it. What worked for me was using a bright work light and literally crawling around the room, eye-level with the wall, to spot those sneaky imperfections before priming. It feels a bit ridiculous, but hey, it beats having to repaint. Also, I found that if you feather out your mud just a little wider than you think you need, those edges blend way better and the primer (gray or not) doesn’t betray you later.
Honestly, I get the whole “crawl around with a work light” thing, but I’ve started questioning if it’s always worth the hassle. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Sometimes those bright lights make every tiny flaw look like a disaster, but in normal lighting, you’d never see half of them. Is it overkill to chase perfection that no one notices?
- Instead of feathering mud super wide, I’ve had luck using a slightly damp sponge for the final blend. Less dust, and it smooths out those edges without needing to go crazy with extra mud.
- About primer—have you tried eco-friendly options? Some of the low-VOC primers seem to cover better and don’t flash as much, even if your joints aren’t 100% invisible.
I guess my point is, maybe we don’t need to stress every little imperfection. Most folks never notice unless they’re literally crawling on the floor with a flashlight... which, let’s be real, isn’t how anyone lives.
Sometimes those bright lights make every tiny flaw look like a disaster, but in normal lighting, you’d never see half of them. Is it overkill to chase perfection that no one notices?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I used to obsess over every little line and bump, but after a few projects, I realized most people never notice unless you point it out. I’ve actually started using recycled-content joint compound and low-VOC primers—like you said, some of them actually seem to cover better and don’t stink up the whole house.
- The damp sponge trick is a game changer for dust, especially if you’re working in a lived-in space. I’ve even used old t-shirts for a final buff, which sounds weird but works surprisingly well.
- I do think there’s a balance. If you’re painting with a super flat finish, you can get away with a lot more than if you’re going for eggshell or semi-gloss. Lighting makes a huge difference too—my last place had these brutal overhead LEDs and suddenly every joint looked like a mountain range.
Curious if anyone’s tried those plant-based primers? I’ve only seen them online, but I’m tempted to give one a shot next time.
Is it overkill to chase perfection that no one notices?
Honestly, I ask myself this every time I’m knee-deep in sanding dust. I get wanting things to look good, but after patching and repainting a few rooms, I’ve realized most people just see “fresh paint” and move on. The only time anyone’s ever commented was when I pointed out a spot I missed—kind of made me wonder why I stressed so much.
About those plant-based primers, I’ve seen them at the store but they’re always pricier. Do they actually hold up, or is it just marketing? I’m all for eco-friendly stuff, but not if I have to redo it in a year.
