[caddmannq]

Where the paper is damaged, that's where the glass mesh drywall patch is used. This will reinforce those areas & prevent the gypsum from flaking off. Otherwise it's just like painting over dirt. The paint sticks to the dirt, but the dirt doesn't stick to itself.

Go back and read Martoch's post. That's really the best way to do it. You can use drywall mud over the mesh tape, and forget the glue, but you have to be more careful when you work, as excessive "working" of the mud will just loosten things up.

You gotta slap it on there quick and dry, let it dry fully, and then sand. Repeat until it's smooth.

If the dammaged area is very small, like the size of a quarter, you can probably just "mud" it. As long as there's enough intact paper to hold the patch without it relying on the gypsum too mutch. A bigger patch will just come loose.