Although mobile homes are manufactured on a steel frame for mobility, they are still made of wood framing, studs and in most cases finished with paneling. If you want to remove the paneling from the wall and install Sheetrock you can do so since a mobile home uses wooden studs just like a standard home. Unless you are used to hanging Sheetrock, the task may require the use of two people to help situate the Sheetrock against the studs and to screw the it to the walls.
Instructions
Preparation of the walls
1. Remove all of the outlet covers and switch plates with a screwdriver.
2. Remove all of the crown molding and floor molding. The molding is usually attached with brad nails. Careful removal with a crow bar allows you to reinstall the molding once you attach the drywall.
3. Pull the old paneling or Sheetrock off the studs with a crowbar and remove nay nails left in the studs with a claw hammer.
4. Place a piece of painter's tape across the ceiling and mark each wall stud on the tape. This prevents the need for a stud finder when screwing the drywall to the studs.
5. Measure from the floor to the ceiling to obtain the height of the walls. Mobile home ceiling height is usually lower than a standard home so you will likely need to cut the Sheetrock. Transfer the measurement to the Sheetrock and cut the Sheetrock with a utility knife to match the measurement. Do this with each piece of Sheetrock you need to install.
6. Place the Sheetrock against the wall and screw it into place. Make sure the screws go into the studs. Apply five to ten screws per stud. When you come to a corner, you may have to trim a piece of Sheetrock to match the correct width. Do this in the same manner as you cut it for the height. Also, make sure your cut out holes for your light switches and electrical boxes. Cut the holes before you secure the Sheetrock to the wall.
7. Place a layer of Spackle over each Sheetrock joint. Place a piece of Sheetrock tape over the joint and press the tape into place with a putty knife. Apply a second layer of Spackle over the joint. Do this with each joint, including the corners. Also, cover each screw with Spackle. Allow adequate time for the Spackle to dry. Sand the Spackle flat with a block sander. Add a second coat of Spackle to the joints if needed.
8. Primer and paint the walls as you normally would with Sheetrock and then secure the crown molding and floor molding onto the walls. Reattach the cover plates.
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