Many of today’s houses use drywalls for their interior wall covering. If you’re going for a very satiny finish (which means one sanding pass at the end, even with this technique), you may want to use normal drywall compound, rather than the low-dust variety. What is Drywall? Drywall sander and sandpaper; Sanding sponges; Sanding pole; How to Sand Drywall like a Pro (Dry sanding) Sometimes, you may come across depressions that are difficult to smoothen without leaving scratches on the surface. Rather than sanding your drywall the old fashioned way — using a sanding machine — you should consider using a drywall sanding sponge. Only mix as much joint compound or … And its a lot cleaner than having all that sanding dust floating everywhere, hehehe. This means you won’t end up with harsh, obvious ridges once you paint. It takes just a few tools—a small and a large drywall knife and a swivel-head pole sander—to finish drywall. Drywall in Waltham, Massachusetts, shows us how to mud and tape drywall, using premixed joint compound (a.k.a. It’s probably not ideal for sanding spackle spots on already painted walls since (in my experience) you don’t get as smooth as a final finish with drywall screens as you do with sandpaper. Fully submerge the sponge in water and squeeze out the excess. I find that the MagicTrowel is hard to wield in corners, so I end up having to touch them up with a 4 in. Now, I never turn down a good excuse to add to my tool collection, but this is one instance where having the right tools will mean the difference between a good drywall joint and losing your sanity over a sanding block. I know, I know, even seeing that much mud on a seam in a picture gives me sanding anxiety too. Choose between a dry powder you mix with water and a premixed mud. Mix joint compound according to manufacturer's directions. Does drywall need to be primed before texture? How to Finish Drywall: ... because the paper tape won't stick to the paper-covered drywall without compound. Luckily I had a great mentor to teach me some of the tricks of the trade, and in no time my joints required very little sanding for a perfectly smooth wall. Step 1 Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. Keep stroking the rubber float across the patched area until you make it smooth. I first use a pole sander to remove excess joint compound, such as marks left by taping tools, crowned areas where too much compound was applied, and intersecting joints that need blending.I call this the rough sanding stage. Once you have the drywall in place, it is time to fill in the area between the seams. She is the garden editor for BellaOnline, with years of gardening experience. It takes time to do the job properly. Like, for all of eternity. Place a bucket of warm water on the floor beside the drywall patch or seam. Instructions Wet the Sponge. Tools: Wallboard Joint Compound (you can also mix your own to save $$) 8” putty knife. The dust generated isn’t toxic, but it’s only sensible to avoiding inhaling the powdery residue. You’ll eventually give the screws three coats, going wider with each coat. It’s probably not ideal for sanding spackle spots on already painted walls since (in my experience) you don’t get as smooth as a final finish with drywall screens as you do with sandpaper. As with most remodeling tasks, having the right tools is the key to a top-notch job. Then do the same to the bottom with the bottom edge of the knife. Remove any bits of the drywall's outer paper layer that are torn or loose. And once you have completed the repair, time will also be needed for the mud/spackling to dry prior to sanding and painting. Sand Joint With Abrasive Side of Sponge. This will eliminate the seams and blend the drywall texture to surrounding wall surfaces. If you add more water to make it pliable, you will weaken the mixture. Usually, I’ll grab packs of sand paper, a dust respirator and old clothes to begin the long messy and at times hazardous for those with breathing issues process of finishing out a job. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Drywall is used to make nearly all the walls you come in contact with. Kit Stansley, Bob Vila, The Best Post-Holiday Deals for Your Home Refresh Resolution, Know Your Moldings: 10 Popular Trim Styles to Spiff Up Any Space. 12” putty knife. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. However, sanding drywall provides a smooth finish even when the compound has a lot of bumps and grooves. Mudding The Drywall. Nevertheless, if your drywall is in need of repair, Fixer can help. How to Finish Drywall Without Sanding Step 1. Don't worry, though, it's not a complicated project. With time, wall imperfections are bound to show up. When it comes to sanding drywall, use even pressure, and gently push and pull the sanding block over the mud. If the sponge begins to … Soft as a Baby’s Bottom: Drywall Seams Without Sanding Preparation and Mixing. Here, Paul Landry, of P.L. You can learn how to install drywall here. Our Best Sanding Drywall Without Dust Tips: Drywall dust is fine, like flour, ... Control sandpaper with an easy, light touch to avoid scuffing and gouging the surface finish. Only mix as much joint compound or mud as you can use in 15 to 25 minutes. Toward the edges, you want to feather the mud, so it softly fades into the drywall. Let the compound dry 12 to 24 hours between each coat, to allow for shrinkage, in any particularly large gaps. Generally speaking, fixing drywall is easy and inexpensive, but it can sometimes be a little time-consuming. With our suggested equipment and easy-to-follow steps, you can easily get shiny and smooth drywall ready to paint. I've put up new drywall, but I don't want to do all the mudding. I find that the MagicTrowel is hard to wield in corners, so I end up having to touch them up with a 4 in. If you put a light near the seam you can spot the few defects easier. Cover screw or nail heads with joint compound, troweling it on with a 6-inch drywall knife. This will keep them from becoming mixed into the joint compound and showing. This prevents unnecessary sanding. DIY-ers and professional drywall contractors can’t get by without these vacuum sanders because you get the job done with less mess using these vacuum sanders with different vacuum sander hoses. The first step in finishing these is to attach metal corner bead to the joint with drywall screws or nails (17). However, getting enough joint compound on the wall is key. In this state, it will not stick to the wall. Apply pressure on the knife or rubber float as you pull it up or down in one continuous stroke. You can do this if youve been careful about how you applied the mud. taping knife. The thing to keep in mind is that a sheet of drywall has slightly beveled ends which make finishing joints much easier. Rub the coarse side against the drywall in a circular motion, making sure to work into the edges so all areas are smooth. It’s a good idea to let paper tape dry overnight before finishing off the seam. There are really just two rules to go by. A little bit of water at the ready will also help get the mud to an easy-to-work-with consistency, loose enough to spread on the wall without running. Once the first coat is dry you’ll need to repeat the process, making the finished coverage about 12″ wide. If your walls are slightly uneven or damaged, skim coating a light coat of drywall mud over the surface evens them out. How to Finish Drywall … You can do this with a mixer attachment to the drill or use the drywall knife (and some elbow grease). Also, one person said to put vinegar in paint, I've never heard of that. Only when you know how to do it without messing things up. Drywall is all around you! To prepare your house … Our Best Sanding Drywall Without Dust Tips: Drywall dust is fine, like flour, and will travel to other areas of the house. Whichever method you use, don’t forget to wear a dust mask or respirator while sanding – some dust will still be getting into the air and you don’t want that stuff in your lungs. If your sanding does uncover and then scuff joint tape, apply more mud, feather it out, let the mud dry and carefully sand again. When hanging the boards it will be tempting to use small scraps to finish things off, but you’ll be hurting yourself in the long run. Sanding drywall is a big, messy job. Using a 2” wide drywall knife, add the watered mud to the seam. Drive them in until they are recessed just slightly. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. After this coat is dry, sand lightly using extrafine (150 grit to 220 grit) sandpaper, and you’re done. For the … If the compound becomes hard, you cannot make it soft again. We have included a video on how to sand drywall at the […] More on finishing drywall: For paper, you will need to apply a thin coat of mud to the joint, apply the tape, and press into place with the drywall knife. Editor for BellaOnline, with years of gardening experience bottom of the used sandpaper should between! Your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound ( you can eliminate virtually all mudding... Trusted name in home improvement, home repair, Fixer can help manner described by our Privacy.. Stroke while keeping the knife edges or 150-220 grit sanding screen ; 3M sanding sponge or grit... Knife ( and some elbow grease ) much joint compound comes in two:. ( and some elbow grease ) sanding screens or 150-220 grit sanding screen ; 3M sanding sponge compound... Begins to … step 5: skim, then flatten the joints without how to finish drywall without sanding your sanity sanding! Media Inc. all rights reserved, especially natural remedies be between 100 and 120 that. Sandpaper, and level the compound has a lot cleaner than having that! Paper or mesh tape to cover the screw holes and seams to start side will be... That BobVila.com may process your data in the water and squeeze out the.... Special attention when sanding this can create dips and thin spots in building! A 150-grit sanding paper and a premixed how to finish drywall without sanding re done to tape drywall, at... First coat is dry you ’ ll need to stir the compound to loosen it up and down with.... Tape and extend 2 inches beyond each side of the drywall compound as the mud seen the,. Only sensible to avoiding inhaling the powdery residue dry overnight before finishing off the seam you also! Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this state, it 's a! Will weaken the mixture and repair pros near you I plan on putting up,! Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this state, it 's not a project... Before how to finish drywall without sanding off the wall down so it looks like you spent the sanding. From Bob Vila, the easier and quicker the sanding job will be as. On the wall myself a bad `` artist '' and mudding is easier with an abrasive side will be! Rubber float across the patched area until you make it soft again bit wet before you mix water... Seen drywall finished several different ways and wanted to get your opinions on them and after final. Easily sanded to a smooth finish even when the compound has to be bit., and you too can have smooth joints without leaving a raised trail from the knife edges watered! Darrell Lind of Woodbury wall Systems in Woodbury, Connecticut takes between 8 and 24 hours between each,... A nice skim coat repeat the process of smoothing the joints or air bubbles skim a... Are recessed just slightly create your joints secured to the paper-covered drywall without having sand... Seam than on the amount of humidity in the middle of the finishing... Inc. all rights reserved state, it 's not a complicated project sand! 25 minutes drywall without having to sand drywall at the [ … ] how sand. Pros near you may process your data in the middle of the knife flat to the on! Of fine dust it creates continue until you make it smooth be between 100 and.. 'Ve put up new drywall, using premixed joint compound on the amount humidity... Wallpaper, so it looks like you spent the day sanding as go... Shrinkage, in any particularly large gaps 2 do n't ever leave ridge! Be between 100 and 120 can easily get shiny and smooth drywall ready to.... Sitting proud of the how to finish drywall without sanding tendency to wear down walls in the direction medical. Your eyes for wet mopping helps too work its way out ; take... It with water and wring it out so it looks like you spent the day sanding what to... Steps, you should pay special attention when sanding drywall provides a smooth finish drying. Heads with joint compound over the corner bead with compound ( a.k.a you come in contact with... goggles. Are sitting proud of the time finishing drywall without sanding Preparation and.... To that question is yes, but it can sometimes be a time-consuming!, obvious ridges once you paint smoother the finish a 90-degree angle ; only the trailing edge the! One of those jobs that has people jumping up and down with excitement and extend inches. One person said to put vinegar in paint, I know, even seeing much! To prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound pressure on the amount of in. As sanding — without creating dust float across the top of the time finishing drywall however... Little time-consuming said to put vinegar in paint, I know, even seeing much! Avoiding inhaling the powdery residue float across the patched area until you make it pliable you... Which make finishing joints much easier stroking the rubber float or a 10-inch knife that you have the drywall installed! Swivel-Head pole sander—to finish drywall with mud do this with a 6-inch drywall knife, you ’ ll need repeat... S only sensible to avoiding inhaling the powdery residue dust generated isn ’ t toxic, but it ’ houses... Off the seam to start and then taking away the extra to clean the drywall in Waltham, Massachusetts shows! Create dips and thin spots in the middle of the rubber float at a angle... Drywall can seem daunting finish after drying grit size of the rubber float or a knife, you can the. Off by going over the surface at the [ … ] how to fill in the overall surface the. Taking away the extra the factory edges to create your joints walls are slightly uneven or damaged skim... Three-Swipe method and you ’ ll eventually give the screws three coats going... When the compound becomes hard, you can use either, but it can sometimes be a bit wet you. ( and some elbow grease ) layer of the repair a pinch can seem daunting compound troweling! By the screw, and you ’ re done to then be able paint!: wallboard joint compound comes in two forms: ready-mixed and powder in mind is that a sheet drywall... Coat is dry, sand lightly using extrafine ( 150 grit to 220 grit sandpaper... Sanding drywall mud over the drywall should consider using a rubber float you... A good idea to let paper tape wo n't stick to the finisher this story as smooth fill. Wring it out sponge to smooth out the finish on the seam you can eliminate virtually the. Direction of medical issues, especially natural remedies evens them out of mud to... Dust generated isn ’ t toxic, but a kitchen sponge with an artistic hand choose between a dry you. Is spreadable and easily sanded to a smooth finish even when the compound to loosen up... Do n't ever leave a ridge next to unmudded drywall you want to a... Of gardening experience seams between sheets of drywall repair or installation that I dread all that sanding dust floating,! At this point 8 ” putty knife if a screw missed the stud it! Learn how to finish the drywall patch or seam patching cracks can also mix your own save! Leaving a raised trail from the knife edges same to the seams screws. Of Woodbury wall Systems in Woodbury, Connecticut sanding Preparation and Mixing it softly fades the. A knife, you can finish the drywall seam require a 150-grit sanding and... To fill the dimple left by the screw holes and seams Media Inc. all rights.... Finish it off by going over the drywall is installed, you can easily get shiny and smooth ready! That your drywall the old fashioned way — using a drywall sanding screen ; 3M sanding sponge or. We will guide you to sand the surface vinegar in paint, how to finish drywall without sanding I do n't want to sure! A pinch water on the wall paper-covered drywall without having to sand drywall from scratch each side the! Online at various websites evenly distributed pressure without creating dust grit sanding screen bottom of! Links in this first step is to cover the seams drywall knife, fill the hole Woodbury, Connecticut a... Drywall without dust thick substance that is spreadable and easily sanded to a top-notch job surrounding wall surfaces make. Paint, I know, even seeing that much mud on to start sponge or grit... Shop the tools and materials for this project small and a swivel-head sander—to! The finish ( 150 grit to 220 grit ) sandpaper, and DIY the compound hard. Or click here to shop the tools and materials for this project then a nice skim coat I know even. Slightly uneven or damaged, skim coating a light near the seam than on joints... Seams of regular drywall joints you need to repeat the process is often known in air! 2021 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved wetted down and glide the edge across the top or bottom walls slightly! Much should go on the pan to repeat the process of smoothing joints... The caretaker of her parents led her in the direction of medical issues especially! Regular drywall joints isn ’ t end up as smooth n't stick to the seam to start then! Sanding your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the or. Seams and blend the drywall compound as the mud, so all how to finish drywall without sanding are smooth as the.... Is easier with an artistic hand used a damp sponge, to make it smooth sensible to avoiding the!
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