Newkirk Wallcovering and Painting

Applying joint compound

I had just enough energy in me the day the drywall was hung to tape off and apply the first coat of joint compound. For this drywall job I used a fiberglass based mesh tape that has adhesive on the backside. I still use the paper tape for the corners because it is much more rigid.

Make sanding easier with proper application

Once we hit all the seams with the first coat of "mud", we had several screw heads to fill. Remember when you are finishing drywall to make it "sander friendly". In other words, pull the mud down tight to the surface and taper off the edges while it's wet. Then the next day when it's dry you'll have a much easier time sanding before the next coat.

Sand between each coat of mud

Make sure to sand between each coat using a foam sanding block or a shop-vac type attachment. OK, it's time to do the ceiling. Using the same technique I used on the walls, I taped off all the seams with the self-adhesive mesh tape and applied the first coat of mud. I prefer to use the light weight joint compound from 3M. It sands very easily.***Here's a tip: Before you take any mud out of the bucket, use a high speed drill and a paint mixer to stir up the mud to a nice even consistency. This step also gets all or most of the air out of the joint compound, which in turn makes for a nicer finish.

Time saving tips

Normally I will tape off and mud all of the inside corners, but in this space the client decided to trim out the area where the ceiling meets the walls with 1x2 poplar and the wall corners with a piece of decorative trim. This decision was a real time saver.

Muddin' almost done

The ceiling has it's second coat on now and the screw heads have all been hit sanded and hit again. We are going to put metal corner bead around the windows and taper the mud out to a smooth finish.

Almost time for primer

Hey!, its starting to look like a real workspace. Everything has been at least two coated and sanded to a smooth finish. I think we are ready to put a coat of primer on the drywall.

Continue on with garage conversion project