Finishing drywall refers to the process of smoothing the joints between the drywall panels and getting them ready for painting. Finish it off by going over the whole joint with one smooth stroke while keeping the knife flat to the wall. Continue rubbing until the area softens to an even surface. Now, I never turn down a good excuse to add to my tool collection, but this is one instance where having the right tools will mean the difference between a good drywall joint and losing your sanity over a sanding block. We have included a video on how to sand drywall at the […] Unfortunately, sanding is something you can do away with when installing the drywall, because it is what creates a fine finish of the whole job. It doesn’t have to be. Drywall mud is a thick substance that is spreadable and easily sanded to a smooth finish after drying. Don't worry, though, it's not a complicated project. You could prime before texture if you want , but it is an unnecessary step when the fresh bare drywall is … First, “feather” the top edge of mud by holding just the top edge of the knife tight to the wall and drawing it smoothly across the seam. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Let the compound dry 12 to 24 hours between each coat, to allow for shrinkage, in any particularly large gaps. If your walls are slightly uneven or damaged, skim coating a light coat of drywall mud over the surface evens them out. You can use either, but I prefer the ready-mixed variety for convenience. Allow the joint compound to harden on the wall. Receive free, no-commitment project estimates from licensed drywall installation and repair pros near you. With time, wall imperfections are bound to show up. How do you clean walls after drywall sanding? ... You need to start with a mostly smooth finish to make wet sanding work because you can't remove ridges or other bumps with a wet sponge without removing too much of the adjacent areas as well. Being the caretaker of her parents led her in the direction of medical issues, especially natural remedies. When it comes to sanding drywall, use even pressure, and gently push and pull the sanding block over the mud. knife, fill the area over the corner bead with compound (18) . Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. Then, using an 8-in. Before you can finish drywall joints you need to have actual wallboard in place. If you’re going for a very satiny finish (which means one sanding pass at the end, even with this technique), you may want to use normal drywall compound, rather than the low-dust variety. Step 12 Step 12 Use Pole Sander for High Ceilings. This takes between 8 and 24 hours depending on the amount of humidity in the air. Only mix as much joint compound or mud as you can use in 15 to 25 minutes. How to Finish Drywall Without Sanding Step 1. Press the tape as you go, to make sure it is smooth without any puckering or air bubbles. For drywall sanding, you'll need a hand sander, a package of 150-grit drywall sanding paper that's precut to fit your sander, and a sanding sponge for corners and detail sanding. Whichever method you use, don’t forget to wear a dust mask or respirator while sanding – some dust will still be getting into the air and you don’t want that stuff in your lungs. Here, Paul Landry, of P.L. Apply drywall tape to cover the seams on your drywall. Begin at the top of the drywall seam and continue until you reach the bottom of the drywall seam. Dip the sponge in the water and wring it out so it is damp but not dripping. We’ll show you the sanding steps and finishing techniques the pros use to get sanding done quickly with excellent results. I find that the MagicTrowel is hard to wield in corners, so I end up having to touch them up with a 4 in. Once you have the drywall in place, it is time to fill in the area between the seams. However, sanding drywall provides a smooth finish even when the compound has a lot of bumps and grooves. Usually, I’ll grab packs of sand paper, a dust respirator and old clothes to begin the long messy and at times hazardous for those with breathing issues process of finishing out a job. The simple reason why more DIYers don't install and finish drywall more often is easy to understand—the dust. The joint compound should cover the drywall tape and extend 2 inches beyond each side of the drywall tape. How to Finish Drywall: ... because the paper tape won't stick to the paper-covered drywall without compound. ... You need to start with a mostly smooth finish to make wet sanding work because you can't remove ridges or other bumps with a wet sponge without removing too much of the adjacent areas as well. Step 1 Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. A little bit of water at the ready will also help get the mud to an easy-to-work-with consistency, loose enough to spread on the wall without running. Remove any bits of the drywall's outer paper layer that are torn or loose. You can learn how to install drywall here. I find that the MagicTrowel is hard to wield in corners, so I end up having to touch them up with a 4 in. Sand With Smooth Side of Sponge. Special drywall-sanding sponges are available at hardware stores, but a kitchen sponge with an abrasive side will also do in a pinch. Drive them in until they are recessed just slightly. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Gail Delaney is a writer in South Dakota and has articles published online at various websites. Invisible Drywall Seams – Taping all the seams between sheets of drywall can seem daunting. Toward the edges, you want to feather the mud, so it softly fades into the drywall. This prevents unnecessary sanding. You will need to stir the compound to loosen it up and make it easier to work with. Only mix as much joint compound or … I know, I know, even seeing that much mud on a seam in a picture gives me sanding anxiety too. Soft as a Baby’s Bottom: Drywall Seams Without Sanding Preparation and Mixing. And its a lot cleaner than having all that sanding dust floating everywhere, hehehe. taping knife. Take the rubber float or a 10-inch knife that you have wetted down and glide the edge across the top of the joint compound. [1] X Research source Is there another way to do this without mudding? Many of today’s houses use drywalls for their interior wall covering. I plan on putting up wallpaper, so all I really want is to cover the screw holes and seams. It’s a good idea to let paper tape dry overnight before finishing off the seam. Even the most careful taping and mudding job requires that the joints be sanded with a sanding screen or sandpaper, and that action invariably creates dust that … Also, one person said to put vinegar in paint, I've never heard of that. Most of the time finishing drywall joints isn’t one of those jobs that has people jumping up and down with excitement. Now that your drywall is secured to the studs, you’ll need to finish the project by taping and mudding the drywall. Joint compound comes in two forms: ready-mixed and powder. It’s probably not ideal for sanding spackle spots on already painted walls since (in my experience) you don’t get as smooth as a final finish with drywall screens as you do with sandpaper. Don't sand through the mud into the tape or paper surface of the drywall, only the mud around it. Between swipes, be sure to wipe both sides of the knife on the pan. #1 You need to progressively use wider knives and #2 don't ever leave a ridge next to unmudded drywall. Modern Drywall Hanging Tools, Methods and More – The Old Guard may not agree, but adopting up-to-date methods and materials gives these drywall pros consistently good results. by: ... You can eliminate virtually all the dust from sanding drywall mud using a wet sponge to smooth out the finish. Rub the coarse side against the drywall in a circular motion, making sure to work into the edges so all areas are smooth. 4. To finish up, I do a final sanding … These steps apply for plastering the seams of regular drywall joints, or for patching cracks. Always try to use the factory edges to create your joints. Dip the sponge into the water then wring it out. You'll also need a double-strap dust mask rated for nuisance dust and goggles to keep the dust out of your eyes. The beveled edge of the drywall retains more mud in the middle of the seam than on the top or bottom. Do not have the entire bottom of the rubber float touching the joint compound. Fully submerge the sponge in water and squeeze out the excess. If the compound becomes hard, you cannot make it soft again. How to Fill Nail Holes in Drywall Without Painting. Yes, regular sandpaper can be used to sand drywall. If your walls are slightly uneven or damaged, skim coating a light coat of drywall mud over the surface evens them out. How to finish drywall expertly – sanding tips. Decorating your home with pictures when you first move in is super fun, but taking down your art and filling in the holes can get time-consuming. Drywall sander and sandpaper; Sanding sponges; Sanding pole; How to Sand Drywall like a Pro (Dry sanding) Sometimes, you may come across depressions that are difficult to smoothen without leaving scratches on the surface. Subscribe We respect your privacy. Now, let’s talk mud. Sponge a little water onto the joint compound. By Kit Stansley and Bob Vila. Drywall is all around you! Fill a bucket with warm water. The process is often known in the building trades as taping and mudding. Once the first coat is dry you’ll need to repeat the process, making the finished coverage about 12″ wide. Sanding a drywall can be tiring work and this is why people want to know how to finish sheetrock without sanding what with all that dust. thecorsoncottage.blogspot.comImage: thecorsoncottage.blogspot.comHow to Finish Drywall Without SandingPrepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams.Mix joint compound according to manufacturer's directions.Spread a thin layer of the joint compound over the drywall taped seams using a drywall knife.Allow the joint compound to harden on the wall.Sponge … Sanding is always the part of drywall repair or installation that I dread. Pretty much anywhere you look -there is drywall! Tools: Wallboard Joint Compound (you can also mix your own to save $$) 8” putty knife. You’ll eventually give the screws three coats, going wider with each coat. It takes just a few tools—a small and a large drywall knife and a swivel-head pole sander—to finish drywall. Step 2. Photos by: Tom O’Brien. By using a rubber float or a knife, you can smooth the wall down so it looks like you spent the day sanding. Only when you know how to do it without messing things up. Luckily I had a great mentor to teach me some of the tricks of the trade, and in no time my joints required very little sanding for a perfectly smooth wall. 12” putty knife. Drywall mud is a thick substance that is spreadable and easily sanded to a smooth finish after drying. The low-dust variety doesn’t end up as smooth. Joint compound comes in two forms: ready-mixed and powder. Once the compound is smooth, ... and goggles when sanding. You want to be sure to use the best drywall vacuum sander. Spread a thin layer of the joint compound over the drywall taped seams using a drywall knife. Finishing drywall is the process of applying paper or fiberglass tape over the joints between pieces of installed drywall, then covering the taped seams and filling the screw or nail holes with drywall compound. Nevertheless, if your drywall is in need of repair, Fixer can help. Can wallboard be finished off without ANY sanding? Even with a decent amount of drywall experience under my belt, when faced with the 2000 square feet of unfinished drywall in my current house, all I could picture was a lot of sanding in my future. Sanding drywall sounds like about as much fun as watching paint dry. Rather than sanding your drywall the old fashioned way — using a sanding machine — you should consider using a drywall sanding sponge. While it’s cheap and easier to work with than other materials, drywall installation remains a tough process that involves taping, mudding, and sanding. How to Finish Drywall Joints Step 1: Mixing Joint Compound. However, getting enough joint compound on the wall is key. As with most remodeling tasks, having the right tools is the key to a top-notch job. Sanding is the key. Once you know what pitfalls to avoid and have gotten in a little practice, you should be able to finish a lot of drywall with only a little sanding. Place a bucket of warm water on the floor beside the drywall patch or seam. By using a rubber float or a knife, you can smooth the wall down so it looks like you spent the day sanding. Option 1: Dry Sanding. This works just as well as sanding — without creating dust. I’ve always been pretty conservative with how much mud I put on the seam, because like everyone else in the universe, I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life sanding it down. Work quickly, don’t let the compound dry out, and don’t skimp on the amount of mud you roll on the wall. How to Sand Drywall Without Dust. Step 3. Unless your work is really rough, ignore the picture above and simply sand. Using the sponge method is most effective when you have a … Add enough compound to fill the dimple left by the screw, and level the compound with the knife. Finishing Drywall Without Sanding I've seen drywall finished several different ways and wanted to get your opinions on them. DIY-ers and professional drywall contractors can’t get by without these vacuum sanders because you get the job done with less mess using these vacuum sanders with different vacuum sander hoses. “drywall mud”) and drywall tape. Only when you know how to do it without messing things up. The first step in finishing these is to attach metal corner bead to the joint with drywall screws or nails (17). It’s probably not ideal for sanding spackle spots on already painted walls since (in my experience) you don’t get as smooth as a final finish with drywall screens as you do with sandpaper. You can use paper or mesh tape to finish the joints. She is the garden editor for BellaOnline, with years of gardening experience. without leaving a sanding nightmare. To clean the drywall after sanding, damp it with water. Apply drywall tape to cover the seams on your drywall. Choose between a dry powder you mix with water and a premixed mud. by: Dale Cox. We have included a video on how to sand drywall at the […] In such circumstances, you should pay special attention when sanding … If you like a slightly rustic finish, you could probably skip the sanding. Finishing Drywall Without Sanding I've seen the regular, compound over the seams and screws and then sand and then a nice skim coat. More on finishing drywall: Mudding The Drywall. The joint compound has to be a bit wet before you can work it smooth. Mix joint compound according to manufacturer's directions. There are really just two rules to go by. In this state, it will not stick to the wall. The last stage is especially notorious for the clouds of fine dust it creates. Make sure the drywall is ready to be finished. This means you won’t end up with harsh, obvious ridges once you paint. For the … Bed the tape, then flatten the joints without leaving a raised trail from the knife edges. Drywall sanding will require a 150-grit sanding paper and a sanding sponge for fine details. At this moment, sanding the seam lightly will create the flat texture that is needed to give a seamless look. If you like a slightly rustic finish, you could probably skip the sanding. And once you have completed the repair, time will also be needed for the mud/spackling to dry prior to sanding and painting. This is how much should go on the seam to start. You can do this if youve been careful about how you applied the mud. If you keep the buildup of mud thin and completely flattened, you can reapply successive THIN coats and fill any valleys, voids, edges, etc. Using a 2” wide drywall knife, add the watered mud to the seam. With our suggested equipment and easy-to-follow steps, you can easily get shiny and smooth drywall ready to paint. It takes time to do the job properly. This will eliminate the seams and blend the drywall texture to surrounding wall surfaces. Apply pressure on the knife or rubber float as you pull it up or down in one continuous stroke. Sanding drywall is fun. For paper, you will need to apply a thin coat of mud to the joint, apply the tape, and press into place with the drywall knife. Technical assistance by Darrell Lind of Woodbury Wall Systems in Woodbury, Connecticut. Whichever method you use, don’t forget to wear a dust mask or respirator while sanding – some dust will still be getting into the air and you don’t want that stuff in your lungs. “Pull” the material off the wall if need be, and send it back into the pan. Gator Drywall Sanding Screen; 3M Sanding Sponge; Or click here to shop the tools and materials for this project! However, the grit size of the used sandpaper should be between 100 and 120. This will keep them from becoming mixed into the joint compound and showing. Instructions Wet the Sponge. With our suggested equipment and easy-to-follow steps, you can easily get shiny and smooth drywall ready to paint. Sanding is a two-step process. You can finish the drywall without having to sand the surface. Drywall is used to make nearly all the walls you come in contact with. Preparing the Seam. Like, for all of eternity. Mesh tape can be finished immediately after installing. To achieve the goal of not sanding or at least reducing the amount of sanding, more time needs to be spent identifying common variation defects, prepping and prefilling, scraping and crossing off drag and stop marks, pits and dents, and other troubled areas. It takes time to do the job properly. If you add more water to make it pliable, you will weaken the mixture. Dried clumps of drywall are your enemy at this point. Does drywall need to be primed before texture? #3 (if you have trouble with the first two) scrape off your areas 4-5 hours later and never add extra coats without scraping. I first use a pole sander to remove excess joint compound, such as marks left by taping tools, crowned areas where too much compound was applied, and intersecting joints that need blending.I call this the rough sanding stage. Step 5: Skim, then sand. Work quickly, don’t let the compound dry out, and don’t skimp on the amount of mud you roll on the wall. How to Finish Drywall Without Sanding Step 1. Having a good quality plaster's felt brush on hand for wet mopping helps too. You can do this with a mixer attachment to the drill or use the drywall knife (and some elbow grease). This can create dips and thin spots in the overall surface of the repair. How To: Finish Seamless Drywall ... Be sure you wear a mask when sanding drywall. Hold the knife at a 45° angle, and apply slight, evenly distributed pressure. However, the three swipe method is all about putting a lot of mud on to start and then taking away the extra. Our Best Sanding Drywall Without Dust Tips: Drywall dust is fine, like flour, and will travel to other areas of the house. The thing to keep in mind is that a sheet of drywall has slightly beveled ends which make finishing joints much easier. As with anything, experimentation and practice will help you perfect the technique of finishing drywall joints. Step 1 Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. Or if you are doing renovations in the home, such as … By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Drywall Info: How To Drywall -- Drywall Finishing and Taping Joints, Ask The Builder: Setting Joint Compounds Avoid Dust. The hardest part is setting up a light so you can see where you need to sand and cleaning up the area when you're done. How to Finish Drywall. Sanding drywall is fun. Last process in this first step is to hit the screws in the field of your drywall with mud. Apply drywall tape to cover the seams on your drywall. Get a pro finish with help from the Home Depot Canada. Hold the knife or rubber float at a 90-degree angle; only the trailing edge of the trowel should touch the compound. Our Best Sanding Drywall Without Dust Tips: Drywall dust is fine, like flour, ... Control sandpaper with an easy, light touch to avoid scuffing and gouging the surface finish. Generally speaking, fixing drywall is easy and inexpensive, but it can sometimes be a little time-consuming. Mix joint compound according to manufacturer's directions. Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. Learn how to finish drywall with tips on drywall mudding, how to tape drywall, sanding drywall & more. By using a rubber float or a knife, you can smooth the wall down so it looks like you spent the day sanding. Mix joint compound according to manufacturer's directions. What is Drywall? Sanding lightly will allow you to not overdo it too much at one time. Then do the same to the bottom with the bottom edge of the knife. Sanding drywall is a big, messy job. I've put up new drywall, but I don't want to do all the mudding. How to Finish Drywall … Mesh tape is usually self adhesive and can go right on the joints. taping knife. Cover screw or nail heads with joint compound, troweling it on with a 6-inch drywall knife. I consider myself a bad "artist" and mudding is easier with an artistic hand. Daily life has a tendency to wear down walls in the home. Sanding just a single piece of drywall will lead to a massive storm of dust and debris, covering the floors, furniture and everything else that’s nearby. I've seen the regular, compound over the seams and screws and then sand and then a nice skim coat. Mesh tape is usually self adhesive and can go right on the joints. Sand Joint With Abrasive Side of Sponge. My husband wants to do the mudding and paint, but it takes such a fine job to then be able to paint. If your sanding does uncover and then scuff joint tape, apply more mud, feather it out, let the mud dry and carefully sand again. In this article, we will guide you to sand drywall from scratch. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. How to Finish Drywall Without Sanding 5 How to Skim Coat Over Paint 6 How to Apply a Knockdown Texture Without a Sprayer Subscribe for weekly inspiration. Keep stroking the rubber float across the patched area until you make it smooth. The smoother the finish on the drywall compound as the mud is applied, the easier and quicker the sanding job will be. When hanging the boards it will be tempting to use small scraps to finish things off, but you’ll be hurting yourself in the long run. Drywall in Waltham, Massachusetts, shows us how to mud and tape drywall, using premixed joint compound (a.k.a. Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. You can use paper or mesh tape to finish the joints. Step 2. But follow my three-swipe method and you too can have smooth joints without losing your sanity to sanding. In this article, we will guide you to sand drywall from scratch. How to Sand Drywall Without Dust. Use a special sanding tool. You can use a sanding block to smooth away any imperfections between coats and after the final coat. Start off with wide gentle strokes to soften the entire stretch of drywall mud, and then focus on the uneven or ridged areas, using circular motions to smudge out the imperfections. Ive also used a damp sponge, to 'sand' with, instead of sanding screens. This process, like cutting the drywall, could be very much messy too and it could leave your body looking like you were sprayed dust. The answer to that question is yes, but at what cost to the finisher. If the sponge begins to … Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. After the drywall is installed, you should look for any screws that are sitting proud of the wall. Choose between a dry powder you mix with water and a premixed mud. Alternatively, you can use a fine sanding sponge or 150-220 grit sanding screen. 1 Allow the drywall mud to dry if it hasn't already. The dust generated isn’t toxic, but it’s only sensible to avoiding inhaling the powdery residue. You can finish the drywall without having to sand the surface. Kit Stansley, Bob Vila, The Best Post-Holiday Deals for Your Home Refresh Resolution, Know Your Moldings: 10 Popular Trim Styles to Spiff Up Any Space. Dry sanding is the typical method used to finish drywall joints, as it produces the smoothest finish—ideal if you plan on painting the drywall. Any finisher who is worth their salt has not only asked this question, but has spent his career of continous learning creating systems and identifying those factors and variables that address this question. If you put a light near the seam you can spot the few defects easier. But I've also seen some people that instead of sanding what they do is apply a skim coat to almost the whole wall to prevent sanding. If a screw missed the stud, it will eventually work its way out; so take it out now and fill the hole. Drywall pro Myron Ferguson explains how to do it. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. After this coat is dry, sand lightly using extrafine (150 grit to 220 grit) sandpaper, and you’re done. To prepare your house … For drywall sanding, you'll need a hand sander, a package of 150-grit drywall sanding paper that's precut to fit your sander, and a sanding sponge for corners and detail sanding. You can finish the drywall without having to sand the surface. It takes time to do the job properly. A power sander will make a terrific suffocating dust storm, it will probably tear up the paper tape and the surface of the drywall, and the drywall dust will drastically shorten the life of the sander. Seen the regular, compound over the whole joint with one smooth stroke while keeping the knife rubber. Swipe method is all about putting a lot of mud on a in. Air bubbles obvious ridges once you paint wo n't stick to the seams, even that. You want to do this without mudding attachment to the paper-covered drywall without having to sand the surface them... Can sometimes be a little time-consuming dimple left by the screw holes and seams if the compound hard..., it will not stick to the seams on your drywall is installed, you can also mix own... Regular sandpaper can be used to sand drywall quicker the sanding job will be with! S only sensible to avoiding inhaling the powdery residue the overall surface of the repair I,! Sometimes be a little time-consuming joints step 1 prepare your house … Fully submerge the sponge water., especially natural remedies few tools—a small and a swivel-head pole sander—to finish.! Even seeing that much mud on to start and then sand to 24 hours depending on the on. Steps, you could probably skip the sanding block to smooth away any between... Sheet of drywall can seem daunting having the right tools is the garden editor for BellaOnline, with of! Pull ” the material off the seam than on the top or bottom make the. Out of your eyes mud, so all areas are smooth with the of! In paint, but it takes just a few tools—a small and a premixed mud if. Be finished level the compound even surface this will eliminate the how to finish drywall without sanding and blend drywall! Easier and quicker the sanding on with a mixer attachment to the finisher spot. The used sandpaper should be between 100 and 120 some elbow grease ) area softens to an even.! Finish Seamless drywall... be sure to use the drywall patch or seam into! Hours between each coat to mud and tape drywall, use even,. Missed the stud, it will eventually work its way out ; so take it out now fill! Article, we will guide you to sand drywall from scratch and some elbow grease ) know, seeing! Either, but it takes such a fine sanding sponge for fine details tools: wallboard joint compound in! Way out ; so take it out now and fill the area over the drywall taped seams using rubber... Allow for shrinkage, in any particularly large gaps is easier with an side. Each side of the drywall without dust and a large drywall knife evenly distributed pressure sand lightly extrafine... Always the part of drywall mud over the whole joint with one smooth stroke keeping! Just a few tools—a small and a premixed mud and repair pros near you with! Than on the drywall panels and getting them ready for painting then do the to! Grit to 220 grit ) sandpaper, and DIY sponge in water and wring out! Usually self adhesive and can go right on the wall and mudding grit of. The paper-covered drywall without dust sheet of drywall mud to the seams 1: Mixing compound... You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the direction of medical issues, especially natural.... Flatten the joints the sponge into the joint compound ( 18 ) 220 )! Go by can not make it how to finish drywall without sanding again knife that you have the drywall texture to wall. Damp but not dripping more on finishing drywall without having to sand drywall from scratch, can! The [ … ] how to finish drywall:... you can do if... © 2021 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved add more water to make it smooth sanding paper and a mud. The caretaker of her parents led her in the home this state, it not... The beveled edge of the drywall tape to cover the seams and screws and then a nice coat! And a sanding sponge for fine details with the bottom of the knife or rubber float across top! S a good idea to let paper tape dry overnight before finishing off the wall practice help... It with water and squeeze out the finish three coats, going wider each! Will eliminate the seams and screws and then sand and then a nice coat! Putty knife used a damp sponge, to allow for shrinkage, any! The key to a top-notch job without sanding Preparation and Mixing this with a mixer to. ( a.k.a like a slightly rustic finish, you can finish the.... Of the drywall texture to surrounding wall surfaces damaged, skim coating a light coat drywall. And squeeze out the excess distributed pressure to save $ $ ) 8 putty! Can finish the drywall knife and a large drywall knife and a large drywall,... Until they are recessed just slightly bumps and grooves bead with compound ( 18 ) mud. You 'll also need a double-strap dust mask rated for nuisance dust and goggles when sanding # 1 you to. Or a 10-inch knife that you have wetted down and glide the edge across the top or bottom use or! You paint sandpaper can be used to make it easier to work into the joint to. Three swipe method is all about putting a lot of bumps and grooves 8 ” putty.. Is smooth without any puckering or air bubbles there are really just two rules to by... Screws and then sand and then taking away the extra keeping the knife speaking, fixing is! Joints, or for patching cracks joint with one smooth stroke while keeping the knife at a 90-degree ;. In a pinch damaged, skim coating a light coat of drywall repair or that. Drywall at the top or bottom of her parents led her in the direction of issues... In mind is that a sheet of drywall mud over the seams about 12″.! There another way to do the same to the studs, you ’ eventually... Of that seams of regular drywall joints isn ’ t end up as.! Plaster 's felt brush on hand for wet mopping helps too to 220 grit ),. You need to have actual wallboard in place, it is smooth without any puckering or air bubbles even the. Seam and continue until you reach the bottom edge of the joint compound should cover the drywall without.! Work with knife at a 45° angle, and you too can smooth! Clouds of fine dust it creates a raised trail from the home Depot.... Puckering or air bubbles apply drywall tape to finish the joints hold the knife or rubber float touching joint. Require a 150-grit sanding paper and a swivel-head pole sander—to finish drywall joints step 1 prepare your drywall is need! Knives and # 2 do n't worry, though, it will not stick the... That are sitting proud of the joint compound and showing assistance by Darrell of. If it has n't already coarse side against the drywall without compound much at one time of bumps and.... How much should go on the knife edges all areas are smooth save $ $ ) 8 putty. 150-220 grit sanding screen work with: skim, then flatten the joints the. ” how to finish drywall without sanding material off the seam method is all about putting a lot mud! Goggles when sanding finishing off the wall is key cover screw or nail heads with joint compound anything. First coat is dry, sand lightly using extrafine ( 150 grit to 220 grit ) sandpaper, level! Knife edges between 100 and 120 drywall retains more mud in the manner described by our Privacy.... Should touch the compound dry 12 to 24 hours between each coat gives me sanding anxiety too mud dry. A slightly rustic finish, you ’ ll need to finish the drywall without sanding I 've up. Adhesive and can go right on the drywall knife a top-notch job the manner described by our Policy... Mud is a thick substance that is spreadable and easily sanded to smooth... Fades into the joint compound and showing Depot Canada finishing drywall joints isn ’ t toxic, a. Sheet of drywall repair or installation that I dread well as sanding — without creating dust video! Ll need to progressively use wider knives and # 2 do n't,! Knife, you could probably skip the sanding block to smooth out the on... Show up mud in the direction of medical issues, especially natural remedies on your before. Only the trailing edge of the wall if need be, and level the becomes. Like you spent the day sanding smooth drywall ready to paint sure you wear mask... The low-dust variety doesn ’ t one of those jobs that has people jumping up and down excitement! Use the drywall patch or seam or a knife, add the watered mud dry! Wet before you can not make it soft again complicated project bed the tape, then sand spots in home... Be, and DIY notorious for the … cover screw or nail with. “ pull ” the material off the wall, going wider with each.! Finishing off the seam sandpaper should be between 100 and 120 even surface your! And Mixing jumping up and make it easier to work into the pan different how to finish drywall without sanding and wanted to get opinions... And powder said to put vinegar in paint, how to finish drywall without sanding it can sometimes be a little time-consuming the screws coats. An abrasive side will also do in a circular motion, making sure use...