What Not to Do When Dealing With Drywall
If you are looking for helpful tips on how to turn fresh drywall into flawlessly finished walls? Whether it is your first taping job or you are just looking to improve your technique, level up your drywall taping skills using these professional drywall contractor tips and tools.
DO make sure to use your power drill.
Drywall mud has to be completely smooth and free from lumps before you start taping. Mixing powdered compound and water manually is time-consuming, and chances are you will not work out all the lumps of powder if you don’t stir it for long enough.
DON’T buy the wrong mud for the job.
One of the biggest and most common mistakes that new tapers make is choosing the wrong mud. Use an “all-purpose” or “setting” compound for the first coat, and for each additional coat, with the exception of the last one. An all-purpose compound will go on smoothly and sticks well to joints and drywall tape. For the last coat, though, use a “topping” compound, this is what creates the fine surface and sands easily.
DO prefill wide joints.
Gaps that are 1/8 inch or wider between drywall panels will give your drywall installation an amateur appearance, however, it does not have to be the end of the world. Just fill them before you start taping! Because the compound used to fill them will shrink, it will often cause the paper tape to warp if you fill the gaps at the same time that you apply your initial tape coating. If you prefill them and let them dry before you apply the tape coat, the compound in the gaps will not affect the tape.
DO make sure to take steps to reduce the mess caused by the wet compound.
As you begin to tape, you will see splatters of drywall compound everywhere, so remember to wear eye protection, a hat, and some old clothing that you can toss when you are done with the project.
If you want to make an appointment with our drywall contractor, then call Cinto Drywall Service of Cary now at (919) 568-1407, we serve the Cary, NC and surrounding areas.
