Nine Steps To Easy Drywalling-00-218

By Author: Al Landry
Total Articles: 4393
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There are some basic drywalling tools and methods that you need to be familiar with before you start your project. Here are nine things you should know to make your next drywalling project easy and successful.

1. Complete Preparation

Before starting a new project, have an inspection done to make sure that your work will comply with local building codes. You also want to measure your space carefully. This will ensure that you buy the right amount of drywall.

2. Wear protective Goggles and a Mask

Drywall dust can cause a lot of irritation to your lungs and eyes. Make sure that you wear a mask and goggles to protect yourself from health issues. The air you are working in should also be well ventilated.

3. Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Surprisingly enough, the climate of your space can impact your drywalling job. Both humidity and temperature can affect joint treatment. Ensure that the area you are working in is at 55 degrees for two days before you start the project and two days after it is completed.

.4. Get the Right Tools

The first thing needed is a basic utility knife ...
... to cut the drywall. A T-square is useful for making square cuts. A drywall saw is needed when you have to make cuts around obstacles in the room. A keyhole saw will help make cuts for smaller obstacles, such as electrical boxes. To put the nails and screws in place, you will need a drywall hammer and a drywall screw gun. Taping knives of different sizes will help you get a smooth joint.

5. Your Fasteners

There are nails and screws specifically made for drywall that you will need to purchase at your local hardware store. You should be use ring shank nails, which will hold the drywall in place and will prevent the nails from coming out later. There are also different size drywall screws depending on the thickness of your drywall.

6. Cutting and Framing

Whenever possible use a full sheet of drywall. When you need to make a cut, start by scoring the drywall with your utility knife. You should then be able to snap the drywall back and have it break away at the cut.You want to make sure that all of your studs are securely in place and that they are spaced out evenly.

7. Know Your Compounds

Once your drywall is in place, it is time for taping and finishing. Joint compounds come in powder form or a pre-mixed state. If you are using a powder compound, there are two different textures. The first kind is a taping compound and the second is an all-purpose compound.

8. Finish the Joints

Before you start taping ensure that all fasteners are sunk below the surface, and corner beads are installed on all of your outside corners. The taping process is actually a four step process that should take you about four days. The four coats are a tape coat, two smoothing layers, and a final finishing coat.

9. Sand, Prime and Paint

Once your drywall is up, sand, prime, and paint your room. Many people skip over the sanding process, but to ensure smooth walls; you'll want to devote as much attention to this stage as any of the other.

Follow these steps and you will likely be pleased with your next drywalling project.For more information on home improvement projects, there are many websites to choose from. One site that has over 12,000 listings for home related shops and informational links is US Home Guide.
Also visit SMARTICO to read more about home improvement projects