How To Finish Drywall

Drywall is a great material for building walls because it’s easy to install and repair. Most of the surfaces around you in new construction areas are made from dry-boarding, which contains mineral gypsum between paper faces! Now the question arises how to finish drywall? It can be installed and finished quickly with simple tools like screws or nails by someone who knows what they’re doing – so if your project needs some extra protection against damage then this might just do the trick.

Finishing drywall may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a breeze. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps necessary to finish drywall like a pro. So whether you are new to home improvement or just looking for a refresher, read on for tips and tricks that will make your next project a success!

Drywall Types:

Fiberglass Drywall

Fiberglass drywall is a type of drywall that uses fiberglass mesh instead of paper to reinforce the cellulose core. This makes it more resistant to fire, mold, and insects than traditional paper drywall. It can also be used in places where paper drywall would be susceptible to moisture damage, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Fiberglass drywall is available in standard 4’x8′ drywall sheets, but it can also be special-ordered in larger sizes. It is important to note that fiberglass drywall sheets are more expensive than traditional drywall, so they should only be used where their advantages are truly needed.

Regular Drywall

It is also known as gypsum board or drywall panels board. You can make walls in living rooms, dens, bedrooms, and other areas of a home from regular drywall. It is also used to make the soffits around kitchen cabinets. Regular drywall comes in many thicknesses but 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch are most common for interior walls.

Dampness Resistant Drywall

Dampness-resistant drywall, also known as the green board, is a type of gypsum board that is specially treated to resist moisture. It is commonly used in areas where there is a high risk of dampness, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Green board is typically made with a water-resistant paper liner that helps to keep the gypsum core from absorbing moisture. The paper liner also provides an additional thin layer of protection against mold and mildew. In addition, the green board typically has a mold-resistant face that helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the drywall surface.

Fireproof Drywall

Here are some key points about fireproof drywall:

  • It is made from gypsum, a combustible material, but is treated with fire-retardant chemicals.
  • It is used in construction projects where there is a risk of fire, such as in hospitals and schools.
  • Fireproof drywall can help to prevent the spread of fire and can provide an extra layer of protection in the event of a fire.
  • It is more expensive than regular drywall, but the added protection is worth the cost.

Equipment Required

When it comes to home improvement projects, few things are as gratifying as a successful drywall installation. Not only does it add a sense of polish to a room, but it can also help to insulate and soundproof the space. Of course, in order to achieve professional results, you’ll need to have the right equipment on hand. Here’s a quick rundown of the essential items you’ll need to make drywall:

Taping Knives

These come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the right one for the job at hand. Look for ones that are made of stainless steel or another durable material.

Taping Compound Tray

This is used to hold the taping compound while you’re working. Choose one that’s easy to clean and has a slightly textured drywall surface to help prevent sticking.

Screw Gun Or Hammer

You’ll need this to secure the drywall to the studs or joists. If you’re using a screw gun, make sure it has an adjustable depth so you don’t damage the drywall. If you’re using a hammer, look for one that’s lightweight and easy to handle. 

Dust Mask

Drywall dust is notoriously fine, so make sure to wear a dust mask when working with it. 

Eye Protection Gear

In addition to a dust mask, you’ll also want to wear some sort of eye protection while working with drywall. Goggles or safety glasses should suffice. 

Sanding Block

This is used to smooth out the drywall joints once they’ve been paper taped and mudded. Look for one that’s comfortable to hold and won’t leave marks on the drywall.

With these items on hand, achieve smooth surface drywall in no time.

Premixed Topping Material

Premixed toppings are ready-to-go materials that are used on joints of the drywall. There are several types of premixed topping material available for drywall, each with its own advantages. Some are discussed below:

Taping Joint Compound

This is a heavy-duty joint compound that can be used for both taping and topping. It provides a strong bond and excellent coverage.

Topping Joint Compound

This is a lightweight drywall mud that is ideal for finishing smooth surfaces. It goes on easily and dries quickly.

General-Purpose Drywall Mud

As the name suggests, this mud can be used for a variety of applications. It provides good coverage and adhesion.

Lightweight Mud

This drywall mud is perfect for areas where weight is an issue, such as ceilings. It is easy to apply and provides good coverage.

Drywall Tape Types

Drywall tape is an important tool in the process of creating smooth wall joints. There are different types of drywall tape available on the market, each with its own advantages.

Paper Tape

A traditional choice for most drywalling jobs. It’s easy to apply and gives a smooth, professional finish. However, paper tape is also susceptible to peeling and cracks, so it’s not the best choice for high-traffic areas or areas that are likely to get wet.

Mesh Fiberglass Tape

It is stronger than paper tape and won’t peel or crack as easily. However, it’s more difficult to apply, and the finished product isn’t as smooth. Mesh tape is a good choice for high-traffic areas or areas that might get wet, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Corner Bead Tape

This tape is designed specifically for use on corners. It’s easy to apply and provides a clean, professional look. However, corner bead tape can be more expensive than other types of drywall tape, and it’s not always necessary for projects that don’t involve corners.

Choosing the right type of drywall tape is important for any project. Keep these pros and cons in mind when making your decision to ensure a successful outcome.

Steps For Finishing Drywall

Drywall is a construction material used to create smooth, level walls. It is made of drywall panels or gypsum board, which are then covered in joint compound and sanded for a smooth finish. Finishing drywall is not a difficult task, but it does require some attention to detail. Here are the steps for finishing drywall:

Preparing The Surface

Start by cleaning the wall and removing any nails or other protrusions. Then, apply joint compound to any cracks or holes.

First Drywall Mud Coat

Once the surface is prepped, it’s time to apply the first coat of joint compound. Use a wide putty drywall knife to spread an even layer over the entire wall. Be sure to feather the edges so that there are no ridges or troughs.

Fiberglass Mud Second Coat

The next step is to apply a fiberglass-reinforced joint compound. This type of drywall compound is highly durable and will help to prevent cracks in the future. Spread it on just as you did with the first coat.

Finishing The Inside Corners

After the fiberglass mud has had a chance to dry, use a drywall knife to apply joint compound to the inside corners of the wall. Use a light touch so that you don’t create any bumps or indentations.

Outside Corners

Outside corners are finished in much the same way as inside corners. Simply apply the joint compound to the area with an adhesive knife. It may also be helpful in butt joints.

Sand The First Coat

Once all of the mud coats have had a chance to dry, it’s time to sand them down. Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand evenly over the entire surface. Be sure to wipe away any dust afterward.

Apply The Finish Coat

The final step is to apply a thin layer of joint compound all over the wall. This will give the surface a smooth, even finish. Allow it to dry completely before sanding lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper.

With these steps, you’ll be able to successfully finish your drywall project!

Sand The Wall Final Coat

Once the final coat is dry, it’s time for one last round of light sanding. Again, use fine-grit sandpaper and be careful not to move too vigorously or you’ll damage the surface. After you’ve finished sanding, your drywall is ready for paint!

Let Us Paint For You!

So, there you have it! How to finish drywall like a pro. It’s not as hard as it may seem and with the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can do it easily. Best and beneficial baller product, fireproof, inexpensive, and sound dampening. Just be sure to take your time and follow the steps outlined in this article for the best results. And if you’re still feeling unsure or run into any problems along the way, don’t hesitate to contact Legacy Applications, a professional team. We hope you found this guide helpful and that it will help you get your project finished quickly and efficiently. Thanks for reading!

REQUEST AN ESTIMATE

When you’re ready to transform the look and feel of your home into something that reflects your unique personality and character, our team at Legacy Applications is here to help. Contact our team of exert house painters today.

REQUEST AN ESTIMATE

When you’re ready to transform the look and feel of your home into something that reflects your unique personality and character, our team at Legacy Applications is here to help. Contact our team of exert house painters today.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US