Tuesday 1 October 2013

Finishing Drywall: Seamless Joints

By Lori Philipps


Finishing the drywall is the most crucial step to achieve perfect patches. No matter how you install the panel, it all comes down to proper mud application to make the joints not visible. Feel free to ask help from the experts if you think you cannot finish drywall on your own.

All the panels should be secured with studs and keep the edges from flapping by drilling nails in the corners. This should keep the drywall from flapping anytime soon. Make sure all the nail heads are below the surface and fill the holes with mud to prepare the surface for finishing.

Use fiberglass mesh tapes to cover all the seams. Most experts prefer using paper tapes, but mesh tapes are easier to work with since they are self-adhesive. Make sure to press the tape to the drywall to avoid having bubbled surface afterwards.

Believe it or not, it's all about having the proper sequence when it comes to finishing drywall. Apply a coating of joint compound over the joints and tape pieces with a narrow blade taping knife. Spreading the mud evenly and filling the gaps are important during the first coating.

You can now use a wider taping knife and a mud with a thinner consistency for the second coating. Experts recommend placing the blade on the center of the seam to create a flat and even surface. Do not forget to feather it out on the edges to prepare the drywall for the final coating.

The last coating should be used with a wider taping knife than the previous one to spread the mud to the entire area. A fourth mud application is no longer needed if you think you did a good job on the third one.

Sand the panel lightly with drywall sandpaper to remove the beads and the rough texture. Joint compound can easily be sanded that is why using a light pressure is necessary. Avoid inhaling dust particles by wearing a dust mask when sanding the panel. It is best to use a damp cloth to wipe the surface clean once the dust accumulates.

Carrying out a seamless drywall repair should be easy if you follow the tips listed above. For a professional-looking drywall, let each coating dry before applying a new layer and save up to invest in quality materials. If you want to know how the experts do it, do not hesitate to contact your local specialists for more tips and tricks.




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