To prepare drywall for painting or wallpapering, you put joint compound, embed tape, and then sand it.
Preparing Drywall Surfaces
Once drywall panels are hung, the seams between panels, as well as screw or nail holes, need to be covered to create a smooth, continuous surface. This preparation is essential before applying finishes like paint or wallpaper.
The Process
Based on the provided reference, the standard process involves applying specific materials:
- Joint Compound: Often called "mud," this is a paste-like material used to fill gaps, cover fasteners (screws/nails), and smooth transitions between panels.
- Drywall Tape: Typically made of paper or fiberglass mesh, tape is applied over the seams while the joint compound is wet. It reinforces the joint, preventing cracks from forming later.
The steps generally followed, as described in the reference, include:
- Apply Joint Compound: A layer of compound is spread over seams and screw/nail heads.
- Embed Tape: While the compound is still wet, drywall tape is placed over the seams and pressed firmly into the compound using a taping knife. More compound may be applied over the tape.
- Apply Subsequent Coats: Additional thin coats of joint compound are applied and feathered out over the tape and filled areas as previous coats dry. This builds up the surface gradually and hides the tape and fasteners.
- Sand: Once the final coat of joint compound is completely dry, the surface is sanded. This step is crucial to remove any ridges, bumps, or imperfections, resulting in a smooth, uniform surface.
This detailed process of applying joint compound, embedding tape, and sanding ensures that the drywall surface is perfectly smooth and ready for its final decorative finish, whether it be paint or wallpaper.
