Drywall
Hang, tape, mud, and finish like a pro
Drywall finishing is a skill that takes practice, but the fundamentals are simple: thin coats, patience between coats, and aggressive sanding. Most DIYers apply coats that are too thick — that's what causes cracking and bubbling.
Step-by-Step Guide
Hang the drywall
Start with the ceiling, then walls. Use 1/2" drywall for walls, 5/8" for ceilings. Stagger vertical seams and keep them on studs. Drive screws every 12" on ceilings, 16" on walls — dimpled, not broken through the paper.
Tape the seams
Apply a thin bed coat of setting compound (hot mud) to all seams. Embed paper tape immediately, pressing firmly with a 6" knife. Feather the edges. Let cure fully — hot mud sets by chemical reaction, not drying.
First coat (fill coat)
Apply all-purpose compound over the tape, feathering 6–8" wide. Cover all screw dimples. Keep coats thin — thick coats crack. Let dry completely (overnight minimum).
Second coat
Sand lightly with 120-grit to knock down ridges. Apply a second coat 10–12" wide, feathering the edges. This coat fills the tape texture and screw dimples fully.
Final coat and skim
Sand again, then apply a thin finish coat 12–14" wide. Some finishers add a small amount of water to thin the compound for a smoother application. Feather aggressively.
Sand and prime
Sand with 120-grit on a pole sander, then 220-grit for final smoothing. Wipe dust with a damp cloth. Prime with PVA drywall primer before painting — bare compound will flash through paint.
Pro Tips
Use setting compound (hot mud) for the tape coat — it shrinks less than all-purpose and bonds stronger.
Sand between every coat, but don't over-sand — you're just knocking down ridges, not removing material.
Wear a respirator when sanding — drywall dust is extremely fine and gets deep into your lungs.
Wet-sand the final coat with a damp sponge instead of dry sanding to eliminate dust entirely.
Recommended Tools
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Materials Checklist
- Drywall sheets (1/2" walls, 5/8" ceiling)
- Drywall screws (1-5/8" for walls)
- Setting compound (hot mud) for tape coat
- All-purpose joint compound
- Paper tape (not mesh for flat seams)
- 6" and 10" taping knives
- Corner bead (metal or vinyl)
- Pole sander + 120 and 220 grit paper
- Drywall screw gun
- PVA drywall primer
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