Installing sheet rock isn't difficult, though it does require patience.
Sheetrock is used in construction to give walls and ceilings a smooth surface that can easily be painted. It is easy to cut and relatively easy to work with, though some specific tools are required to install it effectively. When installing Sheetrock, be prepared for a multi-day job; while the actual installation of the Sheetrock can generally be performed within a few hours, the finishing and sanding of the joints where the panels meet will be spread out over the course of one or two days after installation is complete.
Instructions
Installing the Sheetrock
1. Measure your Sheetrock panels and the wall space that they will occupy. Mark with a pencil any panels that need to be cut. Use your straight edge to ensure a straight line. For areas that will need to be cut out, such as electrical outlets and light switch boxes, measure from two directions to find the center point of the cutout and mark it on the panel.
2. Make large cuts by cutting through the paper on the side of the Sheetrock panel that you have marked, following the line that you made previously to make a straight cut. Press down on the Sheetrock to break it at the cut, then turn the panel over to cut the paper on the other side. Sand the broken edge of the panel with a sheet of sandpaper before installing it.
3. Make your cutouts by placing the outlet box or other item on the Sheetrock panel, using the mark you made to represent the center as a guide for lining it up. Take measurements to make sure that the item is straight, then use a pencil to trace around its edge. Make a hole in the panel just inside the outline using a nail or a screwdriver, then use a keyhole saw to cut along the outline to create the cutout.
4. Secure each Sheetrock panel using nails or screws. If using nails, put the panel in place and hammer a nail into the panel near the top of the panel, as close to the center of the panel's width as possible. Place nails at least 3/8 inch from the top of the panel, then down the center every 7 or 8 inches. Once the center is secured, work toward the edges in each direction.
Do not drive screws or hammer the nails too deep, sinking them to just below the surface of the Sheetrock panel, or you will damage the panel itself.
5. Continue hanging Sheetrock panels until the entire surface you wish to cover has panels attached to it. If necessary, cut scraps of Sheetrock to the shapes needed to fill gaps.
6. Use metal Sheetrock edging to cover any exposed edges, such as windows ,and any corners. Use tin snips to cut the edging to the proper size, then secure it using nails or screws.
Sealing the Joints
7. Use your immersion mixer to mix the Sheetrock joint sealing compound (commonly referred to as "mud") according to package directions.
8. Apply joint compound along each seam using a finishing knife. When applying, make sure that the layer of joint compound is thick enough to cover the seam completely. Cover any Sheetrock edging with joint compound as well.
9. Press joint sealing tape into the wet joint compound with your fingers. Draw your finishing knife over the tape once you have pressed it into place to ensure that it is embedded into the joint compound fully. Scoop any excess compound that results from this smoothing back onto your finishing knife.
10. Apply a second layer of joint compound over the tape you placed, using excess compound from your original layer first. Cover the tape completely with a thin layer of compound.
11. Use joint compound to fill over the head of each nail or screw that was used to secure the Sheetrock panels.
12. Allow the sealing compound to dry completely.
Finishing the Installation
13. Sand the joint compound that you have applied to create a flat, even surface across the Sheetrock panels that you have installed. Wear a dust mask and goggles to keep compound dust out of your mouth, nose and eyes. Avoid sanding to the point where you will damage the panels themselves.
14. Use a damp sponge to clean the panels and the joints that you sanded. Take note of any damaged areas where the sanding went too deep or where joints weren't properly sealed; you will need to apply additional joint compound to these areas and then sand them when dry.
15. Clean up the work area, vacuuming the dust up if necessary. Prepare the Sheetrock panels for painting by applying a coat of paint primer to the new walls or ceiling surface.
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