Gypsum wallboard, commonly known as drywall, is typically used in residential walls and ceilings because of its low cost and ease of use. While drywall is easy to install, the joints between two sheets require a proper joint to become invisible and resistant to cracking.
Prior to beginning to finish the joint, both sheets of the drywall must be securely attached to the studs at the joint. If the drywall at the joint can move, the joint will crack
Instructions
Getting Started
1. Insert the drywall mixer into the electric drill. Open the bucket of drywall compound and use the mixer/drill to mix the drywall compound. When you are finished, the compound should be smooth and slightly thicker than the consistency of soft ice-cream.
2. Place some of the compound into the mud pan. Never work directly from the bucket of drywall compound, as you will contaminate it with hardened pieces of compound.
3. All the nails/screws must be set below the level of the drywall. Run a trowel blade over the nails, and if you hear a metalic ping, that particular fastener needs to be set deeper.
4. Using your 1-inch trowel, cover each of the drywall nails or screws with a coating of compound. Allow this coat to dry. This will take an hour or two, and the compound will change color to pure white when dry.
5. Use the drywall sanding block and sandpaper, lightly sand each area.
Joint Finishing
6. Using the 4-inch trowel, spread a thin layer of joint compound over each joint, allowing the compound to spread approximately an inch or two on each side of the joint. This layer should be approximately 1/16th inch thick.
7. Place the paper reinforcing tape over the drywall compound. Run the trowel over the tape to set it into the joint compound. The paper should begin to appear wet.
8. Spread another layer of joint compound over the paper tape. Again, this should be approximately 1/16th inch thick.
9. Using the 6-inch trowel, run the trowel over the joint to smooth out the surface and flatten the edges. It may take some practice to get the feel of it, so be prepared to spend a little time. You may need to hold the tape in place while you work the joint.
Allow the joint to dry for several hours until the compound hardens and turns white.
10. Sand the joint with the mesh sandpaper and sanding block. Remove all high spots, and any ridges in the compound. Do not sand into the paper tape.
11. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as needed to get a smooth joint, typically two additional coats. Use the widest trowel (12-inch) for these coats. Every coat should be thinner than the previous coat, and should be feathered out farther from the drywall seam.
12. When you are finished, the paper tape should not be visible, and the drywall compound can be up to 12 inches wide. There should be no ridges or gouges visible.
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