By finishing drywall, we mean a sort of method that helps in applying fiberglass tape or paper on the joints of the installed drywall. This process mainly covers the taped joints, fills the nail holes or screws.
This process stands for taping or mudding. Joints can be pretty ugly in bare eyes. You don’t want your guest to frown upon your wall. That is why finishing drywall in an appropriate way is a must. If the method is done correctly, your wall will appear smooth and fresh; otherwise, an unpleasant finish might frustrate you. That is why knowing the best way is necessary.
If you want to hire a drywall installer, then that is a better choice for you in terms of perfect results. A drywall Installer will install new drywall mats or sheets for you. Also, they will ensure a variety of ceiling systems. They might restore your wall by plastering. Nonetheless, the exterior and interior walls shall appear flawless with the help of a specialist.
Table of Contents
What Tools Are Needed to Finish Drywall?
However, if you are comfortable with the idea of self-helping, then you might need sufficient tools to work. I'm narrowing down the a-must-have list for you, have a look!
Jab Saw
It’s a type of knife with pointy ends and rough sides that shall help you to stab and penetrate the wall. Don't worry. It's not that sharp to harm your finger. Cutting hole in drywall is its primary job. It shall cut for 6-8 inches length.
Cordless Drill
Years back hammer and pins were an only reliable source for fastening drywall. But at present, the cordless drill has taken hammer's place. The good news is that you don't have to invest much physical labor for cordless drill.
Electric Drywall Saw
Electric Drywell Saw can easily pierce the sheet of drywall. When it comes to speed, nothing can replace this. For a powerful cut, you must have this item in your possession.
Sanding Pole
Sanding pole is necessary to sand the corners and ceilings evenly. It would help if you had a consistent finishing touch, and you can’t do without sanding pole.
Utility Knife
The lightweight utility knife is used to score drywall panels. It can be proved to be an invaluable asset if you use it properly. Make sure to use one with interchangeable blades attached to the screw-down handle.
Abrasive and Non-abrasive standing sponges
Both abrasive and non-abrasive sponges are essential to have in your collection. Do not rely on the handheld sponges for all the tasks. Handhelds are better for mirror touch-up while abrasive ones are better for wet sanding.
How to Finish Drywall? 8 Steps to Know
Now I’m providing the process of how to finish a drywall, let's jump to the steps!
Step 1: Stirring compound and preparing surface
Step 2: Cover joints and screw heads
Step 3: Applying paper tape
Step 4: Smoothing tape
Step 5: Tapping inside corners
Step 6: Covering outside the corners
Step 7: Sanding the first coat
Step 8: Applying the second and third coat
How Much to Finish Drywall?
If you have enough time in your hand and want to invest your toil in working, then you should be adequately informed about necessities regarding the finishing drywall. Taking guidance from here will do for you. Also, you may take help from someone experienced.
But if you don’t have much time left and still want a professional look, it’s high time you hired a team for the job.
Drywall installation is likely to cost you $1.727. The typical range is $955 - $2,531. So per square foot will cost $1 to $3. Usually, most people pay $2 per square. The cost depends on the number of the room and the level of finishing.
Editor’s tips
What sandpaper to use on drywall?
You might be wondering about what sandpaper to use on drywall?
Well, it might seem tempting to buy 80-grit paper, as it claims to speed up the job for you. To tell you the truth, you don’t need coarse-grit paper. The modern lightweight compound is most likely to be soft. Moreover, just for plain paint to repair will not require more than 120-grit sandpaper.
For best result, pick 120-grit or 150-grit. The precut sheets will come handy to fit your hand. Make the installation of 150-grit paper with your hand sander.
Secrets!
How to finish Drywall without Sanding?
Sanding can turn out to be a pretty messy job. Sometimes it proves to be time-consuming. You might be thinking if there were any other way rather than sanding.
I’m providing a secret alternative that might work like magic for you.
Take note on the steps below:
Step-1:
Before anything else, you must prepare the drywall. After that, apply the mixture and apply the compound on seams. If would be best if you began from the top stretching to the bottom of the drywall joints. Right after that, press the tape carefully so that no air bubbles appear.
Step-2:
Keeping pace with the manufacturer’s direction mix the joint compound. Within 15 to 25 minutes, mix as much joint compound as possible. Remember, once it turns hard, you can't make it soft as before. Adding more water will be a bad idea too, because it will only weaken your mixture.
Step-3:
With the help of a knife spread out, the compound over taped seams. The mixture should be able to cover the taped seams and 2 inches more.
Step-4:
Let the joint compound dry. It will take around 8 to 24 hours to turn hard. It depends on the humidity in the air.
Step-5:
Sprinkle water over the joint compound. Because the joint compound needs to be a little bit wet before you proceed to make it smooth.
Step-6:
Now use a rubber float or a knife (of 10 inches) and use it to slide across the top of the joint compound. Make sure that you are holding the knife at a 90-degree angle.
Step-7:
Now keep slashing the rubber float you are using over the patched area. Continue is it until it becomes smooth.
Drywall Finishing Tips
Final Words
If you want to give your house a new look, then you must be well aware of how to finish drywall. I hope this article helps you to know the valid information.
If you like to work at home, then you might enjoy finishing drywall by yourself. Otherwise, seeking professional workers will be less time consuming for you. The ready-mixed version of the compound is more available and easy to work. Picking fiberglass-tape will be a wise pick for you as it discards the need for the first coat of compound.
Keep tools like Corner towel, Mixer paddle, Flat edge towels, Shop-Vac, Dust mask, Safety Glasses at home. These tools will be best friends for you in terms of perfect results and your safety.