Comments on: How To Tape, Mud, And Sand Drywall

By: Tara S

Tara S — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 18:21:20 +0000

In reply to Tara S. Great! Thanks, Sherry. Now I know what I will be doing tonight. Wiping down the ceiling is the hardest part.

By: YoungHouseLove

YoungHouseLove — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 17:11:42 +0000

In reply to Tara S.

We did two damp towel wipe-downs and then went straight to primer. Once the primer dries there’s no more dust – it’s amazing. And once the paint goes on it’s even smoother and more finished. Hope it helps!

xo
s

By: Tara S

Tara S — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:36:14 +0000

John, I’ve been following this project like crazy. You seriously have done an amazing job in this room. It looks professionally done. My husband and I are renovating our master bedroom right now. We are trying to do as much as we can ourselves (demo the popcorn ceiling, painting, put down hardwood floors) and contracted out some major things (install new drywall on ceiling, build 2 walk-in closets). Its coming along really well and I’m very excited. Also very grateful to have a guest bedroom to live in during the renovation.

My question for you is what did you do to prep the newly sanded drywall before the priming. I’m sorry if you covered this. Did you just use a dry towel? Did you use a slightly damp towel? Vacuum? This is the point we are at right now. I’ve vacuumed the walls like crazy but it still feels like there is dust. How clean did you get it before you primed? Thanks for the advice.

By: Bea

Bea — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 20:17:00 +0000

This post is fantastic, especially the tips re the wet sanding. I can’t wait to try it as I am repairing 1974 walls before new painting. Plus you have given me so much MORE confidence about tackling mudding/taping. Had drywall put up with a new wall for a closet earlier this year and the contractor did the mudding, etc., and there are so many flaws, I try not to get sick about it any more. Now I know more tricks of the trade. Will only hire real drywall finishers to do that from now on but I can tackle the repairs myself with more confidence. Love smooth walls. Hate orange peel or texture. My house is 1974 Seattle and it’s all smooth wall. Only need for texture, IMHO, is to hide imperfect drywall jobs and imperfect drywallers LOVE that choice.

By: YoungHouseLove

YoungHouseLove — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 15:37:35 +0000

In reply to Bianca.

Oh yes, permits are necessary for this type of work! Thankfully when you use subs you can negotiate who pulls them, so we had our licensed and insured electricians, framers, and plumbers pull the permits they needed. Some sub-contractors are more likely to make you do all the permit work (we did them ourselves when John built the deck as you remember). So sorry yours have been nerve-wracking! The deck was kinda scary but when it was done it was such a relief!

xo
s

By: Bianca

Bianca — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 15:17:04 +0000

I was wondering if you guys have to get a permit for this project(maybe you addressed this in a previous entry and i just missed it- if so, sorry). My husband and I are doing a big kitchen remodel and going through the whole permit process. It has been kind of nerve wrecking. Just was wondering what your experience was so far with the building safety department. I know you got a permit for your deck you did at your last house.

By: Natalie

Natalie — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 23:11:50 +0000

In reply to Christina.

I know this question was for J and S, but I vote for Option 2! It would be so sad to spend a bunch of money on something you know you don’t love (like carpet and vinyl flooring). I think putting the money in hardwoods for one space and saving up to do the rest is a great idea! Plus, there are so many neat DIY painting tricks you can do with plywood floors in the meantime! Here are a few of my favs:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/141581982010836376/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/141581982010583374/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/268597565249121588/

You should post pictures of your new place as you start building! Good luck with everything! :)

Natalie

By: YoungHouseLove

YoungHouseLove — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 22:49:34 +0000

In reply to Anne.

Tape is an important part of the fusion process. I wish you could just mud, but the tape stabilizes it and keeps it from flexing/cracking/flaking out over time. Sort of like the spine that holds everything together :)

xo
s