Many of us think that sheetrock and drywall are different things to work with. But, they are both the same things which are used to make the wall and ceiling. Just their brand names are different.
Finishing sheetrock with sanding is quite a messy job. But don’t worry! You can easily make it worthy without sanding. We’re here highlighting the easy steps and tips on “how to finish sheetrock without sanding”.
Follow the guideline with proper tools and make it happen. Check out the step-by-step guidelines, which are described next.
How to finish sheetrock without sanding: Step by Step Guideline
Sanding drywall is a matter of getting dust which is really a serious health hazard. It also requires a long time to work with sanding. Behind this, there is an alternative way to finish sheetrock without sanding. And, here, you can easily use the tool of drywall in this method.
Let’s know the easy steps and then do the project properly and successfully.
Top 7 steps to follow to finish sheetrock without sanding:
Step 1: Gather the necessary tools
The most important thing before you start any job is to gather the tools you need for work. It’ll help you to save money and energy. Or, if you don’t take the tool side of yours, it’ll be messy during work. Let’s know what tools you need in this project-
- Drywall sponge
- Water
- Bucket
- Drywall tape
- Drywall knife
- Rubber float
- Knife
Step 2: Prepare your drywall
First, you have to prepare your drywall. For this, you need to apply drywall tape to cover the seams before adding joint compound. Begin from the top and cover the seam until the cover of the bottom of the drywall. Press the tape carefully and make sure there are no bubbles created while covering the seam.
Step 3: Mix joint compound properly
Before doing this step, first, take your manufacturer directions carefully. Because the mixed joint is used for more than 20 minutes, the rest of the mixed joint compound or mud is getting hard.
You can’t apply it because it will not properly stick to the wall. So, first, mix the proper amount of joint compound as much as you can apply it to the wall in 15-20minitues.
Step 4: Apply the layer of the mixed joint to the wall
In this step, you have to use a drywall knife to do the work perfectly. Here, you have to apply a thin layer(as much as you can) of a mixed joint compound over the drywall tape of the seam. Make sure that the layers are extended in 2″ of each drywall.
Step 5: Let dry the wall
Now, it’s time to dry the wall in the needed time. Until, mix joint properly sticks to the wall, leave it to dry. Otherwise, the finishing will not be perfectly done. The time taken for dry will be 8-24hours (depend on the humidity of the air)
Step 6: Add water to drywall
After finishing the process of drywall, now it needs to be a little wet. Take a sponge and let it wet in water. Apply the sponge on the drywall for the next step. As a result, the mixed joint compound will be smooth in the next process
Step 7: Glide the edge on the joint compound
In order to complete this step, you need to use a rubber float or a 10″ knife.
Firstly, take the rubber float or a knife and wetted it down. Then, apply it to the top of the joint compound. Here, make sure that the rubber float or a knife is the angle between 90°.
Apply it with pressure on the trailing edge of the trowel and use it in a joint compound while pulling the knife or rubber float up and down.
Keep stroking it until the finishing drywall seems smooth.
And that’s all the steps you need to follow to complete this job.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs: How to finish sheetrock without sanding
Question 1: How do you keep the drywall from getting dusty?
Answer: You can easily keep the drywall from getting dusty. There are some tricks we are here to share with you. Let’s get the amazing tricks which are given below-
- Suppose you used a plastic sheet or masking tape for cover or sealed off the drywall. It’ll definitely help to keep your drywall from getting dusty.
- Mount on box fans in order to ventilate the room.
- Before finishing the drywall, you need to remove the screen from the windows and doors.
Question 2: Can you finish drywall without sanding?
Answer: Of course, you can finish drywall without sanding. Here, you need to use a rubber float or 10 inches knife to finish the drywall. That gives you a smooth look like sanding. There is just a need to follow some easy steps to make it worthy. And these are already described in the article.
Question 3: Can drywall dust hurt you?
Answer: Drywall dust is really a serious health hazard. It causes so many health problems like-
- Irritates the eye, skin, and respiratory system.
- Coughing.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Throat irritation.
- Long-term problems.
Question 4: What to do after finishing drywall?
Answer: After finishing the drywall, the right processing is helping you to function well in your home. So, what should I do next? Let’s check out the given tricks-
- Install the interior doors
- Install the trim
- Spray the trim with primer
- Paint ( if there need)
- Finish the hardwood floors
Question 5: What can I use instead of drywall tape?
Answer: Instead of drywall tapes, one can easily take advantage of using fiberglass mesh tape. It is easy to use and easy to seal off. Also, applying the joint compound is comparatively easy when you’re using mesh tape.
Conclusion
Thus, the process of doing the job is comparatively a long time project. Sometimes, it takes too much time to dry the wall, and you still don’t know when exactly you can carry out the next step.
And, you also have to face so many messy things that you can’t handle as a beginner. For this, if you’re not finding enough confidence in yourself, then don’t try it.
Call an expert and take the help to fix the problem. It’ll save both your time and energy. Again, I tell you if you’re confident, make it happen by following proper guidelines. Don’t try the DIY project if you feel any confusion. Hope, you’ve a successful project and that’s all for today.