How to Finish Drywall: Tips for Finishing Drywall

Drywall—also known as sheetrock, cement board, wallboard, or gypsum board—is a building material available in two forms: drywall panels or joint compound. Manufacturers produce drywall panels of gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) that feature sheets of paper coverings on both sides. The paper maintains the board’s form so installers can secure it to the wall with drywall screws or other fasteners. Joint compound, also called drywall mud, is a gypsum-based paste used between and around panels.

New home construction projects typically use standard drywall panels to cover wall studs and fiberglass insulation. Some manufacturers produce different types of drywall with additives to improve functionality or meet specific building codes. For instance, greenboard is a more mold-resistant and water-resistant drywall option than gypsum plaster blueboard. The latter features layers of paper in different thicknesses to mimic the texture of plaster. (Learn more about the differences between plaster vs. drywall.) You can even purchase soundproof drywall options for basements or offices.

Finishing drywall doesn’t require a ton of specialized equipment. Here are the materials you need to get started:

1. 1. Drywall knives: You’ll want two drywall knives: a five inch and a ten inch. Use the smaller of your two drywall knives for your first coat and to work the compound into the seams between your drywall sheets. The wider drywall knife helps get the joint compound flush against the wall and creates a smooth finish.
2. 2. Drywall tape: Drywall tape comes in two main types: mesh fiberglass tape and paper tape. The benefit of mesh tape is that it doesn’t require a compound layer underneath, whereas paper tape does.
3. 3. Dust mask: You’ll likely work up a lot of dust as you sand, so a dust mask is necessary to protect yourself.
4. 4. Eyewear: You’ll need to protect your eyes from dust, so wear goggles or safety glasses.
5. 5. Joint compound: Also known as mud (and the reason drywall finishing is also known as mudding), joint compound can come either premixed or in a dry form that you need to mix with water.
6. 6. Sanding equipment: It takes a lot of sanding to get your drywall surface even, but you also don’t want to over-sand. One solution is to use a combination of a sanding block and sandpaper for delicate corners and a pole sander for the longer areas of seam that require less finesse.
7. 7. Screwdriver (optional): You won’t necessarily need a screwdriver for the finishing process, but it will come in handy if you need to tighten any protruding screws.
8. 8. Utility knife: A utility knife is useful for cutting tape and eliminating pieces of ripped paper from a drywall sheet.

Once you’ve assembled your materials, it’s time to get your walls smooth and ready for painting. Here’s how to finish drywall, step by step:

1. 1. Inspect the walls. Run a drywall knife over your walls to see if you hit any protruding screw heads or fasteners. If you do, screw them into the wall so that they sit below the surface of the drywall. Similarly, use your utility knife to cut off any ripped paper sticking up from the drywall surface.
2. 2. Mix the joint compound if necessary. If you have dried compound, add water and mix according to the manufacturer’s directions. If you have a premixed compound, ensure that it has an even consistency.
3. 3. Spread a thin layer of compound over the screw holes. The screw holes don’t have to be entirely covered during this step since it’s just the first layer of compound among three or four.
4. 4. Tape the seams between the drywall sheets. If you have mesh tape, tape directly over the seams. If you have paper tape, first, work a layer of mud into the seams using your five-inch knife, then spread it into an even layer positioning the blade at an angle to eliminate excess mud. Next, press the tape into the middle of the coat of mud and apply extra pressure with your knife. For corners, if you didn’t install corner beads when you hung your drywall, position the tape so that the middle of the tape aligns with the corner edge, then press it into place with your knife.
5. 5. Apply the first coat of compound. Use your five-inch knife to cover the tape with a thin layer of compound, trying to make it as smooth as possible. Let the compound dry completely.
6. 6. Sand the first coat. Once the first coat is completely dry, use your sanding tools to eliminate rough areas.
7. 7. Apply the second coat. Use your ten-inch knife to repeat the process, applying a wider swath of mud over the first coat, letting it dry, and sanding.
8. 8. Apply the finish coat. Your third coat of joint compound, applied with the ten-inch knife over the second coat, should result in a smooth surface from mud to sheet. Once it’s dry, give it a light sanding. Your wall is now ready for priming. Learn how to prime and paint walls.

Finishing drywall is a precise task that rewards meticulous attention to detail. Here are some tips to follow to ensure you wind up with a smooth wall:

1. 1. Hang your drywall properly. Perfectly finished drywall starts with proper drywall hanging. Learn how to hang drywall.
2. 2. Look out for wet joint compound. Take your time with the sanding step of the finishing process. Wait until the compound has thoroughly dried—wet spots will appear darker than the dry areas.
3. 3. Keep sanding to a minimum. Opt for a finer-grit sanding block since joint compound can be soft, and over-sanding will wear away your work. Sand just until you have removed any raised areas and achieved a smooth surface.
4. 4. Clean with a damp rag. Before painting or priming the walls, wipe everything down with a damp rag, so you don’t wind up with dust or grit in your coat of paint.

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