Home Improvement Contractor - Licensed Contractors
Drywall taping and general drywalling questions?
Ok here's the deal...some of the tape was coming off the ceiling in my garage...I decided to scrape off all the old popcorn texture...when I did it seemed like it did not adhere in a lot of places because now I have what looks like brand new drywall...ie...the bare paper. Questions.... After I repair the tape joints etc, do I have to prime the ceiling (since the drywall is basically paper) before I spray on texture? The texture compound box makes it sound that way but I just do not believe that...since there was no paint under the stuff I just scraped. UGH!! Please help. This is very urgent. I had someone that was supposed to come do it for me today but they flaked out and never called (bad contractor! lol) so I am stuck doing this myself this weekend...no better time than the present to learn I suppose. Oh one more thing...when I do the joints, do I use a small knife first or large? Happy Holidays! Ok...so I first have to primer the area, then texture, then re prime, and then paint?? Is that what I am understanding from your answers? Last thing I want to do is spray the texture on the whole ceiling and then start priming and have the stuff come off....like the popcorn was doing.
Public Comments
- Yes you should prime it. Use the small drywall knife first and then the large one.
- I grew up doing drywall and I`ve never primed a ceiling just to texture it, you prime stuff to paint it not texture it.
- There's a product we use called "first coat" or similar names that is a very good primer for those ceilings that re going to be renewed. There are also products like"kilz" to do this job. Thin your compund with just a touch of water and mix well to help in spreading this hateful stuff around. If you use wider knives, with thin coats, you'll have less to sand. Check for moisture or contaminants in the area where the old popcorn didn't adhere. The Kilz product may be helpfull in dealing with that.
- Yes, prime the ceiling! I have had problems in my own garage with this and it has been done three times because it kept flaking off. Finally, I made them primer it and have not had a problem since. Also, when doing seams and taping, start your first coat of mud with a smaller knife and every additional one with a larger one, feathering out the edges to make it smooth. Remember to sand in between coats!!
- Yes yes and yes small then big Sounds like you have it figured out Good luck on your first drywall job After this it may be your last LOL You will definitely understand why the contractor was going to charge so much( Or maybe not enough, and that's why he didn't show)
- Yes, you always prime new drywall and drywall compound, even if you are texturing. For tips on taping and finishing, check out http://www.drywallinfo.com
- Step one is too tape off the drywall. Then spread your mud...Start will a 6" knife and then use a wider knife to spread the mud out further and dovetail it so it blends nicely to a flat finish. Then before it is completely dry, use a damp sponge and go over the mud to fill in any pinholes and further spread the mud to a nice level finish. I wouldn't prime the area just to add popcorm spray. It will adhere to the wall just as easily as the primer would. You'll find that the job isn't as difficult as the contractors make it appear. They like to justify their prices.... Trufully, the job isn't that difficult, just follow the steps of each process and you will have a job equal to that of a "contracto," maybe better...oh yes the savings will be a bonus for X-mas time tooo
- First use a six or eight inch knife for the first coat of compound under the tape. When you apply it, put it on fairly thick BUT then drag the knife like you're trying to squeeze it all back out from under the tape. This leaves a thin coat which will dry faster and will cut down on sanding. Previous to the next coat, take the knife and knock down any big chunks and ridges then spread another thin coat the same way. After you're satisfied with the finish, probably 2 coats after the initial tape, although the texture will hide a lot, put on a coat of primer, I would recommend KILZ for a garage. If you are talking about spray texture ( acoustical) mix your paint right into the powder and thin as needed with water. Spray your ceiling and make sure you clean up the sprayer right away (and the rest of the mess). Hope this helps and Merry Christmas!!!
