Drywall finishers use flat drywall knives and joint compound to cover the places where different boards of drywall, or sheetrock, intersect. A rough or uneven application of joint compound shows through paint, no matter how many coats you apply, so it's important to smooth joint compound as much as possible during the finishing process. Finishing drywall quickly and efficiently requires skilled movements that take many years to perfect, but even beginners can smooth joint compound with some basic tools and techniques.
Instructions
1. Smooth wet joint compound by wiping it repeatedly with a flat drywall knife. A small knife works well for narrow applications of joint compound, but use a large knife if you're attempting to smooth an area larger than several square feet. Leave the joint compound you apply as smooth as possible to minimize future labor.
2. Use sandpaper to smooth the compound after it dries fully, which typically takes about 24 hours. Use 100-grit sandpaper for rough applications; 150-grit sandpaper is best for relatively smooth applications. If the project is large, consider mounting the sandpaper on a sanding block or sanding pole, which can help you sand large areas quickly and efficiently.
3. Use a wet sponge to smooth joint compound if you don't have sandpaper or if you don't want to create dust. Wipe the wet sponge over the raised areas of joint compound. Scrape away the moistened joint compound with a drywall knife until the area is as smooth as possible.
4. Apply several more thin coats of joint compound if sanding or sponging doesn't smooth the joint compound enough. Allow each coat to dry until the joint compound is bone-white, and sand the final coat with 150-grit sandpaper. This technique is especially effective if there are many craters or pockmarks across the surface of the joint compound.
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