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Secret Tips On Drywall Finishing Article
10 secret tips on drywall finishing
from:The drywall or the wall board needs a proper finish to give your room the look it deserves. The following tips will definitely help you lend the proper finish to your dry wall:
The drywall should be ready: The drywall needs to be hung properly to give it a proper finish. It should be tightly screwed against the wall studs and ceiling joists. The screws must be sunk enough so that they don’t tear the tape. The screws must be about 16 inches apart in the wall and 12 inches apart in the ceiling.
Proper mixing of mud is a must: Add enough water to the pre-mixed mud in a box or bucket. The mixture should be whipped to a creamy consistency without any lump. The mixture should not have too much of air in it otherwise there will be air bubbles in the seam.
Use both paper tape and mesh tape: The paper tape is used for the corners and mesh tape is used for the tapered seams. The mesh tape is mostly self adhesive.
You must have the right tools: Before beginning the drywall finishing, keep all the tools ready. Use broad stainless steel knives for finishing. File the knife if it is new so that it doesn’t tear the paper. Use flexible knife for taping.
The order of finishing is also important: First complete the flat seam. Then complete the interior corners. The corner tape should overlap the tape of the flat seam.
The size area: While taping, apply mud to about four linear feet of the seam. This will give you better area coverage. Scrape the seam and remove the excess mud. Then again apply the mud.
Put a second coat: The first coat tape need not dry before you put the second coat of mud. The first tape will dry with the second coat.
Corner second coating should not be done in a hurry: While putting the second coat to the corners, don’t hurry up the process. Complete one side on one day as it requires a very meticulous application. There has to be 1/16th inch of mud on the corner tape after completion.
Sand off the second coat imperfections: There will be lift marks where you removed the knife as well as the ridge lines after the second coating. Don’t be disappointed as it is a common thing that appears. The best solution is to file and sand off these imperfections before the next coat. Sanding off will smoothen the mud coat.
Use primer to seal the mud: Use an excellent primer like First Coat from USG Corp so that your hard work is not wasted. It is extremely important before you paint your drywall.