Before painting, what is a necessary step to repair minor surface damage in drywall?

Repairing minor surface damage in drywall necessitates filling the damage with a joint compound. This step is critical because it ensures that any dents, cracks, or holes are properly leveled and smoothed out before the painting process begins. Joint compound provides a solid and smooth base, which helps the paint adhere better and results in a more aesthetically pleasing finish.

By using joint compound, you effectively restore the surface to an even state, which allows for uniform paint application. If you overlook this step and proceed to paint over the damaged areas, the imperfections may still be visible, leading to an uneven appearance that detracts from the overall quality of your work.

Other options, although they might seem relevant, do not address the need for repairing surface damage specifically. Directly applying latex paint would not resolve the underlying issues, and using a primer or skimming with adhesive would not effectively repair the drywall's surface imperfections.