The process of smoothing out drywall mud to create a level surface is known as drywall finishing. Let’s look at how to finish drywall without sanding in greater depth.
Can you finish the drywall without sanding?
Yes, you finish the drywall without sanding the surface. You may smooth down a wall using a rubber float or a knife to make it seem like you spent all day sanding. It takes time to execute an operation correctly.
Several Ways To Seal and Finish Drywall Without Sanding
With A Primer And Paint
This is the most popular technique of drywall finishing. The primer prevents water from seeping into the drywall; later coatings provide a nice look. If you want to increase protection or your wall isn’t smooth, a drywall compound can be used instead. This will fill in any gaps or cracks, giving the wall a smooth finish.
With Joint Compound
The surface of the drywall should be smooth and gap-free, so a joint compound is used to fill in the spaces between the panels and give it a smooth finish. It may also be troweled or sprayed on. After drying, it can be sanded completely.
With A Textured Finish
Knockdown, orange peel, and swirl are just a few of the many kinds of textures used on drywall. These textures are sprayed on and do not have to be sanded afterwards.
With A Wallpaper or Vinyl Covering
Dec decorative car decal vinyl or wallpaper may be placed over the drywall to add a more attractive look.
- You’ll need another person to hold the cloth while you smooth it out and attach it to the wall.
- Use a utility knife or scissors to cut slits in the covering every 6 inches along its length.
- Starting at one end, remove the wrapping from the covering and smooth it onto the wall. Remove any air bubbles using a putty knife or your fingers.
- To make the covering fit properly, use a utility knife or scissors to trim it if necessary.
- If you’re using wallpaper, paste it to the wall’s back and press it firmly against the surface. Smooth out any air pockets from top to bottom.
Allow the wallpaper or vinyl to dry fully before touching.
With A Metal Stud Panel
Installation of metal stud panels over the drywall gives you a finished look and structural integrity.
Paper-Faced Gypsum
You must score the gypsum board’s surface with a utility knife if you use a paper-faced gypsum board. It’s critical not to cut into the gypsum core when shaving. Break the board along the scoreline by bending it back and forth until it snaps after it has been scored. When the small pieces have been removed, use a hammer and chisel to shatter the larger ones away. Finally, use a vacuum cleaner to clean out any dust or debris.
It’s essential to seal the drywall’s edges with tape. Fibreglass is the most popular type of tape, but other tapes are made from paper, plastic, and aluminium. The tape is put over the seams, and a joint compound is used to seal it. After the joint compound has dried, sand it smooth.
How to Finish Drywall Without Sanding
- Step 1: Make sure your drywall is clean before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. To conceal the seams on your drywall, use drywall tape. Work your way from top to bottom along the drywall seam, pressing down the tape to ensure it is smooth and free of puckering or air bubbles.
- Step 2: Follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions. Only as much joint compound or mud as you can use in 15 to 25 minutes should be mixed. You will not be able to make the compound soft again if you add more water to make it pliable, and it will not stick to the wall after being hardened in this condition.
- Step 3: Using a drywall knife, spread a thin layer of joint compound over the tapered seams tacked with drywall. The joint compound should cover the drywall tape and extend 2 inches beyond each side of it.
- Step 4: Allow the joint compound to dry on the wall for 8 to 24 hours, depending on the air’s humidity.
- Step 5: Wipe a little water over the joint compound. Before you can work the joint compound smooth, it must be somewhat wet.
- Step 6: Take the rubber float or a wet 10-inch knife and run it over the top of the joint compound. The knife or rubber float should be held at a 90-degree angle; only the trowel’s trailing edge should come into touch with the compound. When you pull the knife or rubber float up or down in one continuous movement, apply pressure on it. The entire bottom of the rubber float should not be touching the joint compound.
- Step 7: Continue stroking the rubber float over the repaired space until it’s smooth.
Conclusion:
You don’t need to sand your drywall before painting it. You can use various methods to finish the drywall without sanding, including joint compound, metal stud panels, or paper-faced gypsum board.
No matter your chosen method, seal the drywall’s edges with tape and apply joint compound to the seams. Allow the joint compound to dry for 8 to 24 hours before wiping it with a wet cloth and smooth it out with a rubber float or knife. You’re now ready to paint your drywall without sanding!
