Finishing-Drywall-Yourself

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Finishing-Drywall-Yourself
Saves You Money!

So, do you want to save money by finishing-drywall-yourself?

Saving money is a good thing and probably the single most driving factor when it comes to doing any project yourself. Most drywall finishing jobs that you'll encounter will be a repair job but if you're faced with replacing a whole sheet of drywall or are redoing an entire room, then you're faced with some serious drywall finishing.

As I discussed on my how-to-drywall. page, drywall panels are tapered along the long edges so that when installed next to another piece it forms a seam that is recessed making finishing-drywall-yourself much easier.

Drywall Finishing Steps...

Step One: Start with the long "tapered" seams. Apply a bed coat of drywall compound (often called "mud") over the joint, about 1/8th inch thick using a 6 inch taping knife.
Step Two: Center the paper joint tape over the seam lightly embedding it into the layer of mud you just applied. Make sure that it's smooth and straight.
Step Three: Using your 6 inch taping knife, smooth the tape. Apply enough pressure to flattening the tape and squeeze some mud out but leaving a thin layer underneath. Fill all the exposed screws heads and let the compound dry overnight.

If you're in a hurry, you can use what the pro's call "hotmud". This quick setting compound drys in 60 to 90 minutes allowing you to continue with the job. There are some factors you should know when using this stuff! First, you have to mix this stuff yourself. It's also known as "Type Setting" compound and comes in a powder form. You need to keep your tools spotless in between batches. Little bits of setting mud will accelerate the setting of the next batch if you don't keep you tools spotless. NEVER... put this stuff down your drains!!! If you do, it will harden to the point that no liquid plumber or even a drain snake will clear the clog... your next call will be to your plumber to replace your drains.

The TapeBuddy

I was asked by Ron Morton, the inventor of the TapeBuddy, if I'd be interested in doing a review of his unique invention. Once I had a chance to look at his website, I jumped at the chance to check it out. After all, I'm always looking for ways to save time, money and effort!

The TapeBuddy arrived at my house in it's own shipping box complete with step-by-step instructions and a page with answers to frequently asked questions. Since I'm not a full time drywall professional, I found that particularly helpful. The instructions leave nothing to chance especially when finishing-drywall-yourself. I'll go over them now.

Step 1. Remove the bridge insert by clipping the tabs. (Make sure you clip them close to the bridge insert to make it as smooth as possible.) The bridge insert is used to control the thickness of the mud being applied to the tape by reversing which end you insert into the TapeBuddy. One side applies the mud thick, reverse the bridge and insert the opposite end and you get a thinner application.

Step 2. Feed the drywall tape from the tape holder compartment onto the mud compartment and out through the mudded tape gate. The TapeBuddy will accept either 250' or 500' rolls of paper tape.

Step 3. Use "All Purpose Joint Compound" for applying paper drywall tape to joints. It's best to pre-mix All Purpose Compound by adding approximately one cup of water for each gallon of compound to form a creamy consistency... mix well. With the drywall tape passed through the mud compartment, fill the compartment with mud.

Step 4. It's best to keep the TapeBuddy at about waist height if possible. With one hand on the machine, pull the tape straight out and swing upwards with the other hand to the desired length needed ("S" fold the tape for long applications). Cut the mudded tape by inserting the drywall knife corner into the center of the tape about one inch from the end of the out-feed-table... leaving enough tape for pulling the next piece.

Mudding drywall tape finishing-drywall-yourself

Step 5. Apply tape to joint with the mudded side towards the drywall. Use a 4 or 6 inch drywall knife to embed the tape into he joint. Draw the knife along the tape to firmly embed the tape into the joint being careful not to squeeze out too much mud. Smooth the tape area and let it dry. Continue with top coats until finished... clean-up tools with a brush and water then wipe dry.

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when the TapeBuddy first arrived but now that I've used it... it's a great piece of gear for the serious DIY'er... heck if you are finishing-drywall-yourself this is for you! The only thing I didn't do the first time I used it was thin my mud but the TapeBuddy still worked. Once I thinned out the mix like the directions say, (you need a smooth and creamy mix) It worked awesome. I'd have to recommend the TapeBuddy to any DIY'er and drywall professionals alike!

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