The Process
Estimate
One of our managers generally comes out to measure the project for a precise drywall count. We measure for full sheets of drywall to minimize the number of joints. We also work with you to understand your specific requirements for bathrooms, shower areas, windows and other areas. We take the drywall construction seriously.
Stock and Hang
Stocking: Prior to the commencement of work, we arrive with the materials that will be required to complete the project.
Hanging: The hanging process is the most important part. Our "hangers" attach drywall using screws and glue to the walls. After finishing, we will take the scrap drywall to a nearby dumpster or other area you designate. Then we will sweep and clean the area.
Mud and Sand
The "mud" process involves three steps:
Step 1: Tape coat - Our finishers will use taping mud to apply the tape to the joints and angles.
Step 2: Cover/Bed coat - This is the most important coat as it is the bulk of the finishing. (It also takes the longest for the mud to dry). One side of each angle will be mudded. Butt joints (where non-recessed edges of the drywall meet) will be floated out farther than where the drywall has met with bone edges.
Step 3: Finish coat - This is the final step in the mud process. The other side of the angle will be mudded and another coat of mud is added.
Sanding: The "sanders" will then come in after the mud work is completed and sand down the mud - making it smooth. At this point, you are ready for your painter to prime the walls.
Prime
Note on Paint Priming: If you run your hand across the surface of the drywall, the mudded areas will feel like glass while the areas of raw drywall (not mudded) will feel like cardboard. This is because the sanding process eliminates all of the stipple on the mudded parts of the drywall while the areas without mud haven't changed.
The priming process is where you have the opportunity to ensure a more consistent stipple between the two surfaces. Getting a more consistent stipple is done by rolling the primer with a heavy nap paint roller on those areas that have been mudded - this gets stipple on the mudded areas so that both the mudded and unmudded areas will have more consistency.
Spotting
"Spotting" is the term we use for identifying and fixing areas of imperfection in the drywall. It is a standard part of any drywall project. After your painter primes the drywall, we encourage you to have your trim carpenter trim out the project. (This is the standard way 98% of most construction projects are run because the trim carpenters can put a few dents in the drywall from time to time).
Then, after the trim carpenter is done, we come out and "spot" or touch up the drywall for any imperfections that we may see.
The Drywall is Done!
Now that your finished with the new drywall or drywall repair you are on to the next stage in the construction process:
And the walls are ready for the color of your choice :)