Monday, September 16, 2013

Drywall Finishing - Tips For Beginners

By Brian Winters


Finishing drywall is the most critical step in repairing holes and cracks. It's all about spreading the compound evenly to conceal the joints so they will not be visible once painted. To achieve an even surface, layers of tape and mud should be applied together with careful sanding to smooth the edges. If you are not comfortable enough in repairing or finishing your drywall, do not hesitate to contact a specialist as soon as possible.

Always take safety precautions before carrying out drywall repairs. It helps wearing protective goggles, gloves and footwear to avoid unnecessary disasters. Do not forget to wear a dust mask while sanding the drywall to avoid inhaling dust particles. This should not be overlooked since inhaling dust can bring serious dangers to your health.

Prepare the surface area before starting to repair your drywall. Remove all torn edges and make sure all the nail heads and screws are below the surface. This is important since having a flat area to work on is essential to flush it with your existing drywall.

Check the consistency of your joint compound before applying it to the panel. Experts recommend using premixed compounds since they are easier to apply compared to powdered forms. Stick a newspaper over the drywall if the compound is too loose. It is best to use tough drywall paper tapes when it comes to repairing inside corners.

There are self-adhesive mesh tapes available in hardware stores that are easier to use than paper tapes. Use the tape to cover the cracks and holes and apply a generous amount of mud to cover the tape pieces. Let it set for a while before sanding the area smooth.

If you prefer using paper tapes, apply a thin layer of compound over the crack before pressing the tape. Do not forget the squeeze the excess mud under the tape. After taping, apply a thin amount of compound over the nail heads and smooth it out as much as possible. Experts recommend letting the mud dry overnight to prepare the surface for the next step.

Remove the bumps and the remaining imperfections with a sanding block until it is smooth. Spread another layer of joint compound to cover the surface area. Again, sand the damaged area lightly to avoid applying multiple layers of compound afterwards.

Lastly, apply a thin layer of finishing compound to conceal the remaining imperfections. Add water to the compound to thin the consistency and allow it to spread easily. Once dry, sand the mud and wipe it with a damp cloth before coating the drywall with a primer and paint. Make sure to select the exact paint color to conceal the repair as if nothing took place.

Ask help from a professional if you need help with your drywall. Avoid encountering costly drywall repairs in the future by taking immediate action as soon as it cracks open.




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