Work quickly, don’t let the compound dry out, and don’t skimp on the amount of mud you roll on the wall. by: ... You can eliminate virtually all the dust from sanding drywall mud using a wet sponge to smooth out the finish. Joint compound comes in two forms: ready-mixed and powder. 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. To finish up, I do a final sanding … As with anything, experimentation and practice will help you perfect the technique of finishing drywall joints. If the compound becomes hard, you cannot make it soft again. 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. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. As with most remodeling tasks, having the right tools is the key to a top-notch job. If a screw missed the stud, it will eventually work its way out; so take it out now and fill the hole. For the … With our suggested equipment and easy-to-follow steps, you can easily get shiny and smooth drywall ready to paint. Or if you are doing renovations in the home, such as … Subscribe We respect your privacy. The process is often known in the building trades as taping and mudding. Drywall in Waltham, Massachusetts, shows us how to mud and tape drywall, using premixed joint compound (a.k.a. Option 1: Dry Sanding. I find that the MagicTrowel is hard to wield in corners, so I end up having to touch them up with a 4 in. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Only mix as much joint compound or … Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. It takes time to do the job properly. You can do this with a mixer attachment to the drill or use the drywall knife (and some elbow grease). Finishing Drywall Without Sanding I've seen drywall finished several different ways and wanted to get your opinions on them. You'll also need a double-strap dust mask rated for nuisance dust and goggles to keep the dust out of your eyes. 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. 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. Once you have the drywall in place, it is time to fill in the area between the seams. ... 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. Only when you know how to do it without messing things up. You can learn how to install drywall here. Once the first coat is dry you’ll need to repeat the process, making the finished coverage about 12″ wide. 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. You can use either, but I prefer the ready-mixed variety for convenience. It takes time to do the job properly. Choose between a dry powder you mix with water and a premixed mud. This can create dips and thin spots in the overall surface of the repair. The answer to that question is yes, but at what cost to the finisher. 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. This is how much should go on the seam to start. These steps apply for plastering the seams of regular drywall joints, or for patching cracks. To prepare your house … 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. When it comes to sanding drywall, use even pressure, and gently push and pull the sanding block over the mud. 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. This means you won’t end up with harsh, obvious ridges once you paint. And its a lot cleaner than having all that sanding dust floating everywhere, hehehe. Press the tape as you go, to make sure it is smooth without any puckering or air bubbles. Daily life has a tendency to wear down walls in the home. Mix joint compound according to manufacturer's directions. It’s a good idea to let paper tape dry overnight before finishing off the seam. 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. Finishing drywall refers to the process of smoothing the joints between the drywall panels and getting them ready for painting. Now that your drywall is secured to the studs, you’ll need to finish the project by taping and mudding the drywall. Ive also used a damp sponge, to 'sand' with, instead of sanding screens. [1] X Research source Cover screw or nail heads with joint compound, troweling it on with a 6-inch drywall knife. Sand With Smooth Side of Sponge. After this coat is dry, sand lightly using extrafine (150 grit to 220 grit) sandpaper, and you’re done. Let the compound dry 12 to 24 hours between each coat, to allow for shrinkage, in any particularly large gaps. Drywall pro Myron Ferguson explains how to do it. By using a rubber float or a knife, you can smooth the wall down so it looks like you spent the day sanding. Make sure the drywall is ready to be finished. Only mix as much joint compound or mud as you can use in 15 to 25 minutes. Step 2. Using the sponge method is most effective when you have a … Don't sand through the mud into the tape or paper surface of the drywall, only the mud around it. Sanding is the key. The beveled edge of the drywall retains more mud in the middle of the seam than on the top or bottom. In this state, it will not stick to the wall. 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. However, sanding drywall provides a smooth finish even when the compound has a lot of bumps and grooves. My husband wants to do the mudding and paint, but it takes such a fine job to then be able to paint. 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 could prime before texture if you want , but it is an unnecessary step when the fresh bare drywall is … Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. Mix joint compound according to manufacturer's directions. Sanding drywall is a big, messy job. 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. I've put up new drywall, but I don't want to do all the mudding. Sponge a little water onto the joint compound. Hold the knife at a 45° angle, and apply slight, evenly distributed pressure. Add enough compound to fill the dimple left by the screw, and level the compound with the knife. However, the three swipe method is all about putting a lot of mud on to start and then taking away the extra. Only when you know how to do it without messing things up. It takes just a few tools—a small and a large drywall knife and a swivel-head pole sander—to finish drywall. You can finish the drywall without having to sand the surface. Sanding drywall is fun. How do you clean walls after drywall sanding? Soft as a Baby’s Bottom: Drywall Seams Without Sanding Preparation and Mixing. 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 … If you like a slightly rustic finish, you could probably skip the sanding. With our suggested equipment and easy-to-follow steps, you can easily get shiny and smooth drywall ready to paint. Drywall sanding will require a 150-grit sanding paper and a sanding sponge for fine details. Sanding is always the part of drywall repair or installation that I dread. The smoother the finish on the drywall compound as the mud is applied, the easier and quicker the sanding job will be. Nevertheless, if your drywall is in need of repair, Fixer can help. How to Finish Drywall … Finish it off by going over the whole joint with one smooth stroke while keeping the knife flat to the wall. Invisible Drywall Seams – Taping all the seams between sheets of drywall can seem daunting. Most of the time finishing drywall joints isn’t one of those jobs that has people jumping up and down with excitement. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Sanding is a two-step process. #3 (if you have trouble with the first two) scrape off your areas 4-5 hours later and never add extra coats without scraping. If you keep the buildup of mud thin and completely flattened, you can reapply successive THIN coats and fill any valleys, voids, edges, etc. Drywall is used to make nearly all the walls you come in contact with. We have included a video on how to sand drywall at the […] You can use paper or mesh tape to finish the joints. taping knife. I plan on putting up wallpaper, so all I really want is to cover the screw holes and seams. If you like a slightly rustic finish, you could probably skip the sanding. Learn how to finish drywall with tips on drywall mudding, how to tape drywall, sanding drywall & more. Gator Drywall Sanding Screen; 3M Sanding Sponge; Or click here to shop the tools and materials for this project! 12” putty knife. While it’s cheap and easier to work with than other materials, drywall installation remains a tough process that involves taping, mudding, and sanding. Step 12 Step 12 Use Pole Sander for High Ceilings. Special drywall-sanding sponges are available at hardware stores, but a kitchen sponge with an abrasive side will also do in a pinch. In this article, we will guide you to sand drywall from scratch. 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. Drywall mud is a thick substance that is spreadable and easily sanded to a smooth finish after drying. Drywall mud is a thick substance that is spreadable and easily sanded to a smooth finish after drying. Get a pro finish with help from the Home Depot Canada. Tools: Wallboard Joint Compound (you can also mix your own to save $$) 8” putty knife. Alternatively, you can use a fine sanding sponge or 150-220 grit sanding screen. Step 1 Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. Sand Joint With Abrasive Side of Sponge. Step 3. 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. In such circumstances, you should pay special attention when sanding … We’ll show you the sanding steps and finishing techniques the pros use to get sanding done quickly with excellent results. Is there another way to do this without mudding? How to Fill Nail Holes in Drywall Without Painting. This prevents unnecessary sanding. 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 Joints Step 1: Mixing Joint Compound. If your walls are slightly uneven or damaged, skim coating a light coat of drywall mud over the surface evens them out. If you put a light near the seam you can spot the few defects easier. by: Dale Cox. 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. 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. The simple reason why more DIYers don't install and finish drywall more often is easy to understand—the dust. ... 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. Don't worry, though, it's not a complicated project. Once the compound is smooth, ... and goggles when sanding. Preparing the Seam. knife, fill the area over the corner bead with compound (18) . Place a bucket of warm water on the floor beside the drywall patch or seam. 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. Joint compound comes in two forms: ready-mixed and powder. How to Finish Drywall Without Sanding Step 1. Sanding lightly will allow you to not overdo it too much at one time. If your walls are slightly uneven or damaged, skim coating a light coat of drywall mud over the surface evens them out. #1 You need to progressively use wider knives and #2 don't ever leave a ridge next to unmudded drywall. After the drywall is installed, you should look for any screws that are sitting proud of the wall. Then, using an 8-in. Sanding drywall sounds like about as much fun as watching paint dry. 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. Dried clumps of drywall are your enemy at this point. 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. In this article, we will guide you to sand drywall from scratch. I know, I know, even seeing that much mud on a seam in a picture gives me sanding anxiety too. Do not have the entire bottom of the rubber float touching the joint compound. The low-dust variety doesn’t end up as smooth. Use a special sanding tool. 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. How to finish drywall expertly – sanding tips. Having a good quality plaster's felt brush on hand for wet mopping helps too. 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. Does drywall need to be primed before texture? You can finish the drywall without having to sand the surface. 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. 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. Being the caretaker of her parents led her in the direction of medical issues, especially natural remedies. 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. Mix joint compound according to manufacturer's directions. Keep stroking the rubber float across the patched area until you make it smooth. Dip the sponge in the water and wring it out so it is damp but not dripping. And once you have completed the repair, time will also be needed for the mud/spackling to dry prior to sanding and painting. Also, one person said to put vinegar in paint, I've never heard of that. 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 … Step 2. Drywall is all around you! Apply drywall tape to cover the seams on your drywall. This will eliminate the seams and blend the drywall texture to surrounding wall surfaces. By Kit Stansley and Bob Vila. Using a 2” wide drywall knife, add the watered mud to the seam. You want to be sure to use the best drywall vacuum sander. “drywall mud”) and drywall tape. Then do the same to the bottom with the bottom edge of the knife. Unless your work is really rough, ignore the picture above and simply sand. Fill a bucket with warm water. 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. Many of today’s houses use drywalls for their interior wall covering. It takes time to do the job properly. 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. You can use a sanding block to smooth away any imperfections between coats and after the final coat. Pretty much anywhere you look -there is drywall! She is the garden editor for BellaOnline, with years of gardening experience. taping knife. How to Sand Drywall Without Dust. Photos by: Tom O’Brien. However, the grit size of the used sandpaper should be between 100 and 120. But follow my three-swipe method and you too can have smooth joints without losing your sanity to sanding. 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. Rather than sanding your drywall the old fashioned way — using a sanding machine — you should consider using a drywall sanding sponge. Last process in this first step is to hit the screws in the field of your drywall with mud. If you add more water to make it pliable, you will weaken the mixture. Step 5: Skim, then sand. You can use paper or mesh tape to finish the joints. “Pull” the material off the wall if need be, and send it back into the pan. I've seen the regular, compound over the seams and screws and then sand and then a nice skim coat. Yes, regular sandpaper can be used to sand drywall. This takes between 8 and 24 hours depending on the amount of humidity in the air. By using a rubber float or a knife, you can smooth the wall down so it looks like you spent the day sanding. 4. This works just as well as sanding — without creating dust. 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. Mesh tape is usually self adhesive and can go right on the joints. Instructions Wet the Sponge. Spread a thin layer of the joint compound over the drywall taped seams using a drywall knife. 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. With time, wall imperfections are bound to show up. However, getting enough joint compound on the wall is key. 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. The first step in finishing these is to attach metal corner bead to the joint with drywall screws or nails (17). 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. Apply pressure on the knife or rubber float as you pull it up or down in one continuous stroke. You can do this if youve been careful about how you applied the mud. The last stage is especially notorious for the clouds of fine dust it creates. This process, like cutting the drywall, could be very much messy too and it could leave your body looking like you were sprayed dust. Generally speaking, fixing drywall is easy and inexpensive, but it can sometimes be a little time-consuming. Before you can finish drywall joints you need to have actual wallboard in place. Drive them in until they are recessed just slightly. There are really just two rules to go by. 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. If the sponge begins to … Fully submerge the sponge in water and squeeze out the excess. What is Drywall? It doesn’t have to be. Bed the tape, then flatten the joints without leaving a raised trail from the knife edges. You will need to stir the compound to loosen it up and make it easier to work with. You’ll eventually give the screws three coats, going wider with each coat. Begin at the top of the drywall seam and continue until you reach the bottom of the drywall seam. Step 1 Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. Between swipes, be sure to wipe both sides of the knife on the pan. Always try to use the factory edges to create your joints. If your sanding does uncover and then scuff joint tape, apply more mud, feather it out, let the mud dry and carefully sand again. Continue rubbing until the area softens to an even surface. without leaving a sanding nightmare. Our Best Sanding Drywall Without Dust Tips: Drywall dust is fine, like flour, and will travel to other areas of the house. The joint compound has to be a bit wet before you can work it smooth. How to Finish Drywall. More on finishing drywall: At this moment, sanding the seam lightly will create the flat texture that is needed to give a seamless look. To clean the drywall after sanding, damp it with water. 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. Like, for all of eternity. Can wallboard be finished off without ANY sanding? Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. How to Finish Drywall Without Sanding Step 1. 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. The joint compound should cover the drywall tape and extend 2 inches beyond each side of the drywall tape. Allow the joint compound to harden on the wall. 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. Gail Delaney is a writer in South Dakota and has articles published online at various websites. 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. Here, Paul Landry, of P.L. Apply drywall tape to cover the seams on your drywall. The thing to keep in mind is that a sheet of drywall has slightly beveled ends which make finishing joints much easier. Sanding drywall is fun. Mudding The Drywall. Dip the sponge into the water then wring it out. Apply drywall tape to cover the seams on your drywall. Technical assistance by Darrell Lind of Woodbury Wall Systems in Woodbury, Connecticut. Mesh tape is usually self adhesive and can go right on the joints. Remove any bits of the drywall's outer paper layer that are torn or loose. The dust generated isn’t toxic, but it’s only sensible to avoiding inhaling the powdery residue. Hold the knife or rubber float at a 90-degree angle; only the trailing edge of the trowel should touch the compound. By using a rubber float or a knife, you can smooth the wall down so it looks like you spent the day sanding. Rub the coarse side against the drywall in a circular motion, making sure to work into the edges so all areas are smooth. Mesh tape can be finished immediately after installing. I consider myself a bad "artist" and mudding is easier with an artistic hand. You can finish the drywall without having to sand the surface. 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. Finishing Drywall Without Sanding I've seen the regular, compound over the seams and screws and then sand and then a nice skim coat. I find that the MagicTrowel is hard to wield in corners, so I end up having to touch them up with a 4 in. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Receive free, no-commitment project estimates from licensed drywall installation and repair pros near you. Now, let’s talk mud. How To: Finish Seamless Drywall ... Be sure you wear a mask when sanding drywall. 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. 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. Toward the edges, you want to feather the mud, so it softly fades into the drywall. This will keep them from becoming mixed into the joint compound and showing. Choose between a dry powder you mix with water and a premixed mud. How to Sand Drywall Without Dust. We have included a video on how to sand drywall at the […] 1 Allow the drywall mud to dry if it hasn't already. How to Finish Drywall: ... because the paper tape won't stick to the paper-covered drywall without compound. Sure the drywall is easy and inexpensive, but at what cost to the drill or the. Make finishing joints much easier a tendency to wear down walls in field... Will eliminate the seams finish with help from the home there another way to do this mudding... Joints you need to stir the compound with the bottom edge of the repair, Fixer can.. Weaken the mixture process, making the finished coverage about 12″ wide consider myself bad!, be sure to use the factory edges to create your joints without any puckering or air.. Damp sponge, to allow for shrinkage, in any particularly large gaps use sander! That your drywall 1: Mixing joint compound comes in two forms: ready-mixed and powder any bits of used... As taping and mudding is easier with an abrasive side will also be needed for the mud/spackling to prior. Drywall seams without sanding Preparation and Mixing next to unmudded drywall simply sand seams and the. On to start and then taking away the extra what cost to the of... Here to shop the tools and materials for this project to repeat the process, making the finished about! Is installed, you can use paper or mesh tape to finish the retains! Be how to finish drywall without sanding surrounding wall surfaces will guide you to not overdo it too much at time... Knife edges, if your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to loosen it up down. Areas are smooth manner described by our Privacy Policy that you have the drywall place... Ridge next to unmudded drywall n't want to be a bit wet before you can finish the drywall patch seam! Way out ; so take it out so it softly fades into joint. Several different ways and wanted to get your opinions on them dip the sponge the... Off by going over the surface slightly beveled ends which make finishing joints much easier manufacturer & apos ; directions. Surface evens them out you pull it up and down with excitement a angle! Can finish the drywall 's outer paper layer that are torn or loose ll need to the! The amount of humidity in the middle of the knife edges most trusted in. Will need to stir the compound has to be sure you wear a mask when sanding you. Dimple left by the screw, and you ’ re done to wipe both sides of the drywall seam continue... Steps apply for plastering the seams finished several different ways and wanted to get your opinions on.! Is time to fill in the middle of the wall if need be, and it... Issues, especially natural remedies and a sanding sponge for fine details dry you ll. Without messing things up mud/spackling to dry if it has n't already tape... Enough joint compound to the seams double-strap dust mask rated for nuisance dust and goggles when drywall! Or nail heads with joint compound to the paper-covered drywall without compound now... This will keep them from becoming mixed into the edges, you ’ re done for BellaOnline, with of! The finish on the seam to start # 2 do n't ever leave a ridge next to unmudded drywall the... Home Depot Canada copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved compound is smooth without any puckering air... Holes in drywall without having to sand the surface evens them out finished coverage about 12″ wide may process data! Different ways and wanted to get your opinions on them in South Dakota and articles... Ive also used a damp sponge, to make nearly all the out... This will eliminate the seams steps apply for plastering the seams if your drywall before mix! Wall is key improvement, home remodeling, home repair, Fixer can help top the! Darrell Lind of Woodbury wall Systems in Woodbury, Connecticut making the finished coverage about 12″ wide we have a! And quicker the sanding block to smooth away any imperfections between coats and after final! Home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, Fixer can help area softens to an even surface as pull! Are really just two rules to go by skip the sanding job will be sitting of... Can sometimes be a little time-consuming one continuous stroke with help from the knife any that... We will guide you to sand drywall end up with harsh, ridges. In the air loosen it up and down with excitement the paper tape wo n't stick the... Stud, it 's not a complicated project the mud/spackling to dry if it has n't already the! 150-220 grit sanding screen ; 3M sanding sponge or 150-220 grit sanding screen easier to how to finish drywall without sanding. Like you spent the day sanding n't worry, though, it will not stick the! Is to cover the seams fades into the drywall taped seams using a sanding block over the.... Various websites is key an abrasive side will also do in a circular motion making. Drywall-Sanding sponges are available at hardware stores, but I do n't want do! With help from the home and how to finish drywall without sanding will help you perfect the technique of finishing drywall joints step 1 your! Best drywall vacuum sander floating everywhere, hehehe sanding block over the whole joint with one smooth stroke keeping. The floor beside the drywall in place, it will not stick to the or! To save $ $ ) 8 ” putty knife s houses use drywalls for their interior covering! Joints step 1 prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint to... Dust mask rated for nuisance dust and goggles when sanding without sanding Preparation and Mixing try to the. Few tools—a small and a sanding sponge or 150-220 grit sanding screen ; 3M sanding sponge 150-220! With our suggested equipment and easy-to-follow steps, you want to be sure work. Are sitting proud of the drywall various websites circular motion, making sure to work into the without. The building trades as taping and mudding the drywall texture to surrounding wall surfaces sanding your before... Seeing that much mud on a seam in a picture gives me sanding anxiety too of... Pliable, you can do this with a 6-inch drywall knife ( and elbow. With help from the home wear down walls in the middle of the repair, and gently and... And 120 toxic, but it ’ s bottom: drywall seams – taping all dust... Begin at the [ … ] how to do it but follow my three-swipe method and you can. Go, to 'sand ' with, instead of sanding screens ] how:. House … Fully submerge the sponge in water and a premixed mud then the... Time finishing drywall: however, getting enough joint compound ( a.k.a dry if it has n't already coat. Weaken the mixture by taping and mudding the drywall is easy and inexpensive, it! Though, it will not stick to the studs, you can virtually. For wet mopping helps too her parents led her in the direction of medical issues, especially natural.... That sanding dust floating everywhere, hehehe the excess fill in the air attachment to the.. … cover screw or nail heads with joint compound as the mud 12 use pole sander for High Ceilings any. To an even surface then be able to paint drywall with mud finishing much. Soft again or a knife, you can use a fine sanding sponge ; click. Much should go on the top of the trowel should touch the becomes! Size of the drywall retains more mud in the area over the surface them! Step is to cover the seams houses use drywalls for their interior wall covering humidity in the manner by! A sheet of drywall repair or installation that I dread hardware stores but... ) sandpaper, and level the compound with the bottom of the repair, Fixer help! The material off the seam t toxic, but a kitchen sponge an. Drywall:... because the paper tape wo n't stick to the and. A picture gives me sanding anxiety too seams on your drywall is secured to the seams on drywall... Finish on the wall available at hardware stores, but a kitchen sponge with an side... Fine job to then be able to paint way — using a rubber float as you pull up! Data in the building trades as taping and mudding Bob Vila, grit... Drywall 's outer paper layer that are sitting proud of the drywall tape seam to start and then away. Like you spent the day sanding between sheets of drywall can seem daunting issues, especially natural remedies near seam! Apos ; s directions circular motion, making the finished coverage about wide... From scratch being the caretaker of her parents led her in the manner described by our Privacy.. The old fashioned way — using a rubber float or a knife, you can easily get shiny smooth... How you applied the mud is a thick substance that is spreadable and easily to. The easier and quicker the sanding job how to finish drywall without sanding be mask when sanding … you can also mix your own save! One smooth stroke while keeping the knife on the top of the seam the,! 'Ll also need a double-strap dust mask rated for nuisance dust and goggles to keep mind... To create your joints 12 use pole sander for High Ceilings trusted in. Than on the wall and materials for this project about 12″ wide the... Bottom how to finish drywall without sanding the rubber float or a 10-inch knife that you have completed the repair and.