Basic Drywall Techniques You Need To Know

When you have finished installing your drywall there are still a few things you need to do. Firstly you need to consider taping and compound. This is very important as it will adjust the finished product that you are left with. Applying the mud is extremely important.

Here are some important tips that you should consider about mudding your drywall.

Know About Compounds and Tools

As with everything else, preparation is the most important part of the whole project. You need to take time so that you can get used to all of the products and different techniques which you will be using. By spending time to do this and using the right drywall tools, you will be able to produce a better final product.

There are two main types of jointing compound, powder and pre-mixed compounds. You can also find these in a number of different textures. Taping compounds is much coarser and should be used after taping. Topping compound is finer and should be used as the final compound layer to create a smooth wall. You can also buy all purpose compounds which can be used to do the whole job.

You need to use taping knives to apply the mud to the wall. You can get these in a number of different lengths depending on your needs.

Before applying the compound it is important to make sure that all of the nails and screws are sunk into the surface so that they don't stick out. You can check this by running a knife along the seams and seeing if it hits any nails or screws.

Follow the Proper Steps

There are four steps to take when applying mudding drywall compounds, each of these sets will take a day and so it will take 4 days to complete. You need to allow plenty of time for the compounds to dry.

The first layer is the taping layer. You apply compound and then use jointing tape over the joints. Once the paper tape has been applied another thin layer of compound should be applied. You need to make sure that you have covered all of the nails and screws with enough compound so that they are not visible. After this stage you should be left with a level surface without any holes.

Next you need to apply two other layers of compound to make the wall a smoother texture. You should use a longer taping knife than the previous one. For the third coat you will want to use an even longer taping knife.

It can be quite difficult to apply this compound to the wall. You will need to practice as you'll need to apply different thicknesses of compound in different areas so that the wall is completely level.

The last coat is the final finish and is very smooth. This is where it pays to be patient and taking time to get it perfect. Before you start get rid of the large bumps by scraping them off with a large taping knife.

Be Patient

The key to mudding drywalls is to be patient and consistent. It is not the sort of job that you can rush. It is a very important stage and will make all the difference in improving your walls.

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Rob Carlton continually creates detailed papers on issues relating to how to put up dry wall and drywall finishing tools. You can come across his comments on drywall tools over at www.insidewoodworking.com .

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