Taping And Finishing

These techniques that we are going to talk about were found on the book written by John D. Wagner , Ultimate Guide Drywall.
The article that we are using is from page 116 , 117 ” Hanging Tips & Techniques”.

Finishing-Sanding

Tools and Materials We Will Need:

Dust mask(s)
Hat
safety goggles
dust barrier (polyethylene)
Portable
high-powered work light
Pole sander with universal joint
sanding block, sanding, screen, 120 – and 150 -grit sandpaper
dry sanding sponge ( if required)
wet/dry shop vacuum
broom and vacuum cleaner

Sand the Joints Smooth

Using a sanding pole loaded with 120-grit sandpaper, sand each of the joints if necessary. Keep edges smooth as you taper them into the face of the drywall. To avoid sanding through the top layers of joint compound and into the tape, apply gentle, even pressure, and resists the urge to bear down. If you do sand through to the tape, mark this area with a pencil, and reapply a coat of joint compound.

FYI: A sanding pole is an ideal tool for sanding drywall ceilings and wall seams.

Check for Imperfections

Before starting the finish-sand (with 150-grit paper), position your light so that it illuminates the seams you intend to sand. Lighting from the side will cast the light across imperfections and make them evident.

FYI: Check the joints for smoothness with the palm of your hand, sanding down any high spots or bumps that you may feel.

Finish-Sand the Joints

Using folded 150-grit paper, a sanding block loaded with 150-grit paper, a sanding screen, or a urethane sponge-depending on your preference and the job at hand- sand the seams and also the swaths of joint compound that cover fastener heads. Next, run your hand over the area to check for smoothness. On inside corners, where sanding blocks are hard to control, use just a folded sheet of paper for hand-sanding. Vacuum up drywall dust now, before you track it to other rooms and before you remove the dust barrier.

FYI: Hand-sanding may be required to get into corners. Using a sanding pole here may damage the seam.

Special Finishes

Texture walls and ceilings add a low-tech, inexpensive design feature to any interior. These textures may appear difficult to achieve, but with a little practice, you can successfully imitate the effects of old-word craftsmen. Even better, the can hide some mistakes you may have made when hanging the panels.(And it is not even considered cheating!) Once you have practiced and experimented a bit on scrap drywall, you will have the skills to texture your own walls or ceilings using basic tools and materials.
No matter what type of texture you intend to apply, you must first complete all joints and fastener heads as described earlier in this book. Although texturing can hide errors, it provides no substitute for proper finishing work. Before you texture, finish and prepare all drywall panels just as you would for painting (although there is no need to be as fussy as you would be for a painted wall).

Review on the book:

We thought that the information that was taught on pages 116 & 117 of the book, Ultimate Guide Drywall, was very important for anyone that is learning or needs to learn how to tape and finish. We believe that is important for anyone in the dry wall industry to have access to this information and that is why we are giving it attention.