How To Finish Drywall And Achieve Excellent Results by Donald Thomas
Finishing drywall (sheetrock) is a highly skill craft that can take years to perfect and master. However, it is within most serious do-it-yourselfers ability to do a fine job nevertheless and achieve splendid results. I have been in the home improvement business for almost a quarter of a century and I still marvel at a drywall finishing job that looks great. I am a drywall finisher as well and I take pride in the work I do and I have been regarded by clients and fellow contractors as a fine finisher. So let's get started... and away we go.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
First of all, I think it's important that you should use good quality tools to work with. I wouldn't dare begin a job without having quality tools to work with because I have discovered through trial and error that there really isn't a subsitute for quality tools and that goes for equipment also. I personally have over twenty different drywall knives that are various sizes : 3", 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 14" and even 18". I love working with all these knives and each one works better in certain places and situations, but I don't recommend that you go out and purchase all these knives, however, you will need at least three of them.
For applying drywall tape I suggest you use a 3", 4", 6" knife. You can decide which one is more comfortable for you and choose accordingly. When it comes to bedding the tape down or applying your second application you should use a 10" or 12" knife, and for your final float or application of mud you should use at least a 12" knife or maybe even a 14" knife. I prefer using stainless steel knives most of the time but they can be stiff and a little harder to work with. I also own and use blue steel knives, they are more flexible and easier to work with than stainless steel blades. But they are prone to rusting if left in water to long, as opposed to stainless steel knives that do not rust at all.
You will also need a tray that will hold the joint compound and usually these trays come in twelve to fourteen inches in length and they are about 3 or 4 inches in width. I almost always purchase stainless steel trays instead of plastic trays, I find them to be much better in general to work with, but you might feel just the opposite and if so buy a plastic tray and suit your own taste.
There are many accessories available for the finisher to assist him/her with their work, for instance, tape and tray holders, tape holders only, drywall knives with extended handles and so forth, but you can do a good finishing job with just the basic tools and nothing more. Whatever tools you purchase or already have to work with just take a little time to practice on some scrap piece of drywall before you actually begin your work in earnest.
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