Drywall Installation: Installing, Texturing, and Painting Drywall for Remodels or New Construction by Maria Allen
Finishing a renovation or new construction with drywall walls? There’s more to it than just sticking some sheets on the wall. From proper installation to texturing and painting, make certain you don’t skip a step to ensure your new walls will look their best.
There’s actually a lot more to putting up drywall than just slapping some sheets on the wall and calling it a day. If you’re in the process of remodeling or building a home, here’s what you need to know about helping your walls and ceilings look their absolute best.
Installing
The first step toward flawless drywall actually comes long before it’s time to put up the Sheetrock. That’s because the quality of the framing makes all the difference in the world when it comes to the final results for your drywall. Any studs that are out of square or improperly aligned will create a wave in the drywall when it’s hung, keeping your walls from looking smooth and flat. Make sure you use a professional framing contractor, or if you’re more of a DIYer, pay extremely careful attention to framing precisely to create the ideal conditions for installing beautiful drywall down the road.
When it comes time to hang the drywall itself, attention to detail is important once again. All screws should be countersunk below the surface of the drywall so they don’t stick out, and several thin layers of drywall mud should be applied over seams and screws to ensure a smooth, even finish. If you’re not comfortable with the process of securing the boards, taping, mudding, and sanding, using a skilled drywall contractor is recommended. With all of the different steps, it’s easy to make a mistake that results in a visible flaw.
Texturing
However, the great news is that minor imperfections in your drywall can easily be disguised with attractive wall textures. Used for both personal aesthetic preferences and covering up mistakes, textured walls and ceilings are a popular way to enhance a smooth surface with a light texture.
When it comes to texturing your drywall, you have several options, including:
- Orange peel: Offering a slightly raised feel and an appearance similar to the skin of an orange, this technique adds a subtle pattern on both walls and ceilings.
- Knock-down: This is a heavier texture similar to orange peel that is suitable for both ceilings and walls.
- Popcorn: This rough texture is used almost exclusively for ceilings.
There are a variety of great online tutorials for do-it-yourself texturing, so feel free to try your hand at upgrading your drywall with an orange-peel or knock-down look. Keep in mind, though, that popcorn ceilings are best left to the pros. This texture takes some special tools, can make a huge mess, and is all-around better left safely to the experts!
Painting
Once your drywall is installed and textured, if desired, there’s one final task you’ll need to complete before selecting your finished wall color: priming. Many people don’t realize that priming new drywall is an important step that can dramatically impact the final look of your walls. New drywall can soak up paint fast, so just applying your finish paint will actually result in a faded, muted appearance and blotchy color. Applying a coat of specialized drywall primer or sealer will make sure that too much of your final coat won’t be sucked into the drywall, helping guarantee that you’ll get the look you’re going for. Painting drywall with both primer and a lovely shade that complements your decor is the surefire way to make your beautiful new walls shine!
Drywall is a much faster, easier way to put up walls than the old system of plaster and lath, but there’s a little more to drywalling than just screwing some boards to the studs. With some careful attention to detail, beautiful textures like popcorn ceilings, and drywall priming and painting, your new walls can make a gorgeous statement in your home or commercial property.
About the Author
Maria Allen is a home improvement and remodeling hobbyist. He is also an online marketing specialist with Prospect Genius, working to connect small businesses with local customers through effective SEO.
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