Dianne Pajo 2m 533
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Hanging drywall is a physically demanding job. It definitely takes some muscle, but it requires a lot of skill too. Almost every step needs to be precise because the flaws will show up eventually. If they don’t appear during the painting process, they could manifest as a crack in the foundation over time.
The key to a good drywall installation is to start off by getting as close to perfection as possible. Check out these four ways to improve the finishing of your drywall.
Stir the Compound
Naturally, the texture of the mud matters most. A thick, lumpy, and inconsistent compound will ruin the setup for the rest of the installation. Cut the band on top of the bucket and remove the lid. If there’s water on top of the compound, you’ll need to prep your tools to mix the mud.
For mixing, you can either choose a power drill or use a mixing paddle with an ½-inch drill. The trick is to mix at a slow speed. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Don’t set the drill to a high setting. You need to make sure the water blends into the compound perfectly.
Smooth the Tape
Applying tape is always part of the process, but after laying the tape down, you need to smooth it across the surface. Get as precise as possible by using one of your taping knives to remove any bubbles or air holes inside the tape.
You’ve already laid the mud and applied the tape. Start halfway along the joint and hold the 5-inch knife against the tape at a 25-degree angle. Pull the knife to one end of the joint in a single stroke. Then, firmly press to ensure the tape embeds into the compound smoothly. Scrape away any excess and place it inside the mud box.
Sand the First Layer
Next, you’ll want to sand the first layer of mud. But first, it needs to be dry. Check the compound is totally white. A white finish indicates the compound is completely dry. Once you confirm the mud is ready, use your sanding sponge to get a smooth drywall finish.
Start by sanding the corners and then move on to the rest of the surface. The sander does most of the work, so you don’t need to press too hard. Gentle and firm pressure should do the trick. Sand only enough to smooth down the rough edges—not enough to break through the paper.
Apply a Couple More
Now on to the last step to guarantee a smooth finish. Wipe away excess residue from the sanding. A damp rag should get the job done. Let the layer dry for a few minutes before moving on.
Once you feel a dry surface, prepare the next batch of mud. When applying a second and third coat, use a 10-inch or 12-inch taping knife. Scoop up 2 inches of the compound and scrape off 2 more inches at the end of the blade. Feather the edge, then let the mud dry overnight.
Improving the finishing of your drywall thrills the homeowner because now they can envision the next steps of their home improvement project.
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