Cut through the drywall using a utility knife.
Drywall comes in 4-by-8 foot sheets and is 5/8-inch thick for ceilings (weighing 75 lbs.) and 1/2-inch thick for walls (weighing 50 lbs.). Use nails to install drywall to wall studs and screws to hold drywall to the ceiling joists. Ceiling drywall is always installed first, so the wall drywall helps support ceiling drywall and keeps it in place. As drywall sheets are heavy, use two people to install full uncut drywall sheets.
Instructions
1. Position the first sheet of drywall against the ceiling joists in one corner of the room. Ensure one long side of the sheet runs along the center of a ceiling joist to leave room for the next drywall sheet to butt against it. Install the drywall screws through the drywall and into the joists every eight inches.
2. Measure and mark the second piece of drywall to the required size, using a chalk line to create longer lines across the face of the drywall. Run a utility knife along the marked line. Bend the drywall on the opposite side to the line, to break the drywall along the line. Then run the knife along the inside of the break to separate the drywall into two pieces. Position the drywall against the ceiling and screw it in place. Now measure, cut and install all pieces of drywall until the ceiling is covered.
3. Install the first sheet of drywall against one wall, starting in the corner. Hammer drywall nails through the drywall and into the studs every eight inches. Ensure the nail merely indents the drywall paper and does break through it. Measure and cut all pieces of drywall as before, until the walls are covered.
4. Pull a section of mesh tape from its roll and cut it to length (use scissors). Apply it sticky side down over the drywall joint. Push down along the tape with both hands to ensure it is stuck to the wall without wrinkles or folds. Apply mesh tape in like fashion to all drywall joints. Cut to length and install corner beading to all exterior wall corners (corners sticking out). Use drywall nails to attach it in place.
5. Pour drywall compound into a drywall tray and with a 6-inch drywall knife apply it over all mesh tape and corner beading areas. Feather out the drywall by smearing on the compound to the wall past the edge of the tape or beading, slowly decreasing its thickness. Also apply compound to all nail and screw heads. Wait 24 hours or more until all compound is dry.
6. Sand all compounded areas until smooth. Apply a second coat of compound to any nail and screw heads or tape still visible. Sand again after it is dry. At this point, if a texture coat of mud over the drywall is desired, texture the walls and ceiling accordingly. Let dry.
7. Apply a good quality primer to the sealed and finished drywall using a medium grade roller. Use a brush to apply primer in the corners of the room. When dried, apply at least one top coat of quality paint over the primer also using a medium grade roller. If necessary, apply a second coat of paint once the top coat has dried.
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