Walls provide structural definition to interior spaces. Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces are all delineated by walls. Drywall walls are constructed of sheet-rock screwed to wood or metal wall framing, whose seams are sealed with drywall tape and joint compound prior to painting. Whether constructing a new wall or repairing an existing wall, proper drywall finishing will give the wall a smooth and seamless finish.
Tools to Have on Hand
Drywall finishing covers all the screw holes, seams and imperfections, resulting in a smooth finished wall. Have on hand a drill to make sure that all the screws are countersunk into the sheet-rock, but not too deep. You will need a 6-inch and a 10-inch drywall knife to work with the joint compound. Use a small, hand-held tub to hold some of the joint compound as you work. Sanding may be necessary, so have a drywall sander on hand as well. Some sanders are hand-held and others are attached to a poll, which are easy to work with for large or hard to reach areas.
Apply First Layer of Joint Compound
Use the 6-inch drywall knife to apply joint compound onto all of the screw holes. Wipe the knife onto the edge of the hand-held tub, then use it to feather the compound by wiping away the excess. To feather, or spread the compound to a very thin layer, place your joint compound knife against the wall at a 45-degree angle, then press it to the wall so that the tip lays flat against the wall. The pressure will allow the joint compound to spread out in a very thin layer, almost level with the wall's surface.
To seal the seams where two pieces of sheet-rock meet, apply a generous amount of joint compound along the seam. Use drywall or paper tape to cover the seam by sticking it onto the wet joint compound and laying it over the entire length of the seam in one piece. Use the 6-inch drywall knife to feather out the joint compound under the tape. Then, use the 10-inch drywall knife to further smooth and feather out the joint compound and tape. Allow to dry overnight and clean your tools to prevent damage.
Sanding
Check the work the next day for any raised or lowered areas in the the dried joint compound. Use a drywall sander to smooth these out. Sanding may also be necessary after the final step to prepare the wall for a smooth surface to paint.
Last Layer of Joint Compound
Use the 6-inch drywall knife to apply a generous amount of compound over the drywall tape. Follow up with the 10-inch drywall knife to feather the joint compound, wiping away the excess as you go along. This step will nicely fill in any imperfections in the first layer. Continue to feather by holding the knife at a 45-degree angle then pressing it against the wall so that the tip lays flat. Using the tip of the drywall knife will only dig lines into the joint compound as you start and stop. Use even strokes and lift lightly and away when you are ready to stop. Allow to dry, then sand the next day if necessary.
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