For professional results, don't rush your drywall work.
Finishing your basement or completely remodeling a room in your home will involve hanging drywall at some point in the project. Although it looks straight forward, if you don't get it right, the finished product will be less than satisfying. Take your time and follow these simple tips.
Hanging Direction
Hang 8x4 sheets of drywall with the long edge vertical, avoiding horizontal joints whenever possible. Not only is hanging drywall vertically easier to do, it creates less stress on your wall. If you do need to have a horizontal joint between sheets, keep the joint as close to the floor as possible. You can hide imperfect joints behind furniture.
Right-side-up
Drywall is made with one side to be specifically towards the room and the other towards the studs. The surface to be painted will be lighter than the other side -- often white instead of dark grey. You can also recognize drywall's finishing surface by the indentation that goes all the way around the edge. This indentation is for taping your joints, allowing for a flatter surface when you are finished plastering.
Measure and Mark
Most rooms and walls are rarely square, so you need to measure all four edges of your wall and cut your drywall accordingly. Cut your drywall using an exact-knife and straight edge, scoring the drywall halfway and then snapping it off. Remember to also measure and mark your stud centers so you screw your drywall sheet into place the first time.
Cut-outs
When you do a cut-out for outlets, pipes and windows, mark your measurements on the board. Hold the uncut board up to its location to ensure you've measured correctly, and then use a drywall saw to make your cut.
Hardware
Selecting the right hardware and tools will also help your drywall job look professional. Drywall screws will pop through plaster less often than nails. A dimpler attachment on your drill bit will sink screws to a proper depth without tearing the drywall paper. Using a self-adhesive tape will make plastering joints much easier, as will using large trowels to cover a greater surface area.
Plastering Techniques
Making multiple thin coats of plaster will give a smoother finish and it will also save you time waiting for the mud to dry. For both joints and screws, plaster over a large surface, as it's easier to smooth out than a narrow patch. Sand each layer until it is completely smooth or below the wall surface. Use multiple coats to fill in any air bubbles that open on the surface while sanding. To avoid air bubbles, always plaster in both an up and down motion over each surface.
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