Is there an easy way to tape and plaster drywall.?

Question

I am trying to finish the walls myself and plastering and sanding is driving me crazy.

Answer 1

I have yet to find an easy way.. a small orbital sander can save some time though

Answer 2

Here are some thoughts:

Sanding is required because too much mud is applied - try to apply less mud using 2 or 3 coats. Use 4" and 6" wide spatulas and 10"-12" trowels to feather it out. You can also knock down any peaks and high spots by wiping the nearly-dry mud with a wet-but-wrung-out sponge.

To get the tape to stick better - lay down a thin bed of mud, and pre-wet your tape in a bucket of clean water. Remove exess water from the paper, then press the paper into the mud and lay a thin coat over the tape. This helps the paper from absorbing too much moisture from the mud.

Use a sanding screen (an open mesh screen embedded with an abrasive) rather than sandpaper. The sanding dust falls thru the mesh and doesn't clog it. Use a vaccum attachment to collect the dust while sanding.

I also prefer to thin the mud with a bit of water so it is easier to apply and spread out.

You can also apply a texture to your walls so you won't have to do a perfect sanding job.

Good luck and hang in there.

Answer 3

couple of tips
add a little water to compound
make sure every coat is as smooth as possible before it starts to set
put screws in the Field in 2s close enough together that you can cover with 6 inch knife top, middle and bottom
run knife over wall and listen for ting sound, means screws are not set deep enough
use a good lite close to wall when sanding,helps you see if you getting it smooth and flat
use the curve in the knife up (I
foam sanding blocks work well in corners
take your time
if all else false use a medium nap roller when painting it hides imperfections

Answer 4

well i feel for you it is alot of work i am in the process of building my home as well and you have got some good answers for helping with sanding but i have a tip that save alot of time that hasn't been posted try useing self adhesive drywall tape you should be able to get it at most building supply stores it is like a fiber screen mesh that helps hold your mud and it save having to mud on the paper tape and waiting for it to dry to to do your finish work.

Answer 5

Those vinyl corner beads help...an orbital helps if you use 80 grit or so, attach a shop vac with a hose adapter to suck up the dust...but I still prefer the old fashioned screens for the corners-wrap the screen around the edge a bit and you get both walls in a corner at the same time...

Answer 6

ARGHHHHHHHH just the thought of the "minor" rework i did (one 4x10 sheet and two 4x8's) makes me mad....i probably sanded 6 times. I compared them with other areas of the house, and i think my work is better, but it is a pain.
There is no easy way...i dont know how the pros can do it in two coats...
The only think i can say is that the mud you can buy now that says it makes less dust, seems to actually work, the dust doesnt seem to get all over your house like the regular stuff.
ARGH

Answer 7

One additional trick, taught to me by a commercial drywall guy, is to apply the compound in continuous streaks down the screw lines. Most people try to cover each screw head with its own little mound. It is faster and easier to only have two sand two straight edges.

Answer 8

Trick of the trade. thin down joint compound slightly.
about like waffle batter. Put on several light coats, making sure you're using proper width knife. Keep it smooth when applying, then it requires very little sanding. Good Luck

Answer 9

if you find out, let me know, I am trying to build an addition and for the last three years, i have been doing this on the weekends, and it is very boring and seems to be going no where

Answer 10

The only "easy" way is to call a contractor.