|
It is important to correctly finish drywall because a sloppy job will show through the paint. Check out these tips on how to properly finish drywall:
Check all the hung drywall sheets and sink any screws that are protruding from the surface of the drywall. Make sure not to sink the screws too far and break the paper on the surface. Screws are correctly sunk when they create a small divot in the surface (about 3/16’’).
Trim away loose/torn paper from any crushed edges of the drywall sheets. This will allow you to smooth over the areas later with joint compound. Loose/ torn pieces will be very visible through the paint if they are not trimmed.
Nail down or screw metal corner beads to all of the outside corners. This will give the corners a hard and uniform edge. There should be an 1/8” gap between the bead and the drywall to create a pocket for the joint compound.
Fill in all the joints in between the sheets of drywall with joint compound (with a 6” drywall knife). Cut the tape to length and press it into the joints with your drywall knife. Smooth over the tape so there are no wrinkles or bumps. For the inside corners, fold it in half length-wise and slide the creased edge into the corner. Smooth the edges of the tape with your drywall knife. Leave the tape alone until the compound underneath completely dries.
After the compound under the tape is dry, scrap off all the bumps or imperfections from the surface with your drywall knife. Apply a thick coat of regular joint compound over the taped joints and outside corners (the metal beads). The first layer should be 6”-8” wide on the joints and extend 4”-5” from the outside corners. Allow the compound to dry for 24 hours. Repeat this same process when you add two more coats of compound to the joints and outside corners. The third coat should be thin and serve to blend the compound with the rest of the drywall. By the third coat the joints should have a 12” wide strip of compound.
Lightly sand down the compound with 80-grit sand paper. Do your best to blend the joints so they show no visible bumps or creases. Make sure to wear a protective mask and eyewear because this will create a great deal of dust in the air.
|
