It is week 2 of the One Room Challenge, and we are in the throes of drywall work! Newsflash: it SUCKS.
Have you done drywall work before?
Yes! We have removed popcorn texture in 3 rooms so far. We have also skim coated surfaces in our kitchen to cover wallpaper and smooth out the ceiling. I, by myself, smoothed out the ceiling in our home’s rear entryway. I know that drywall work is an art form. It is very difficult! I’ve written about it too!
What are some of your challenges?
There are three major challenges in this job. First, the newly installed drywall does not match the thickness of the pre-existing drywall. Thus, around the perimeter of the dining room, we need to apply several coats of joint compound to build up the appropriate thickness. That way, the entire wall is flush and flat.
The second obstacle is the fact that the dining room is open to the popcorn-textured hallway. So, we will need to find a way to blend the old popcorn-textured ceiling to the new ceiling. The only way I know to do this is to skim coat the popcorn ceiling in the hallway and apply several skim coats to the new ceiling in the dining room. We need to skim coat layers upon layers so that the ceiling is flush with the old ceiling.
The third problem is the stomp texture. It is the lesser of all the problems, admittedly. However, it is difficult to match a 50 year old texture. I just need more practice to blend the old with the new.
Why not hire it out?
Uhhhβ¦the quote was $1500. And I don’t have that to spare. Trust me, I wish I could like I’ve done before!!!
Key drywall takeaways
I have shared how to prep walls for paint before, but here are a few more relevant takeaways this time around:
Keep your drywall tools clean.
Tools with dried joint compound create added streaks during application. Constantly knock off the dried joint compound as you work and wash them thoroughly when you finish your drywall work for the day.
If you forget to clean your tools, soak them in hot water.
I poured boiling hot water in my drywall pan in my backyard. After letting it soak for about 5 minutes, I then added some cold water in the pan. After that, I used my other tools (taping knife, putty knife) and scraped the pan clean.
Unconventional methods are okay!
I actually find applying my first layer of joint compound easier with a plastic spreader. Drywall pros would scoff, but thankfully, I am not a pro! For me, the spreader is easier to hold, control, and maneuver.
Tackle dust!
Dust control joint compound is a viable, albeit more expensive, option for drywall work. YOU’LL BE SANDING A LOT, so less dust equals more happiness and less cleanup.
That’s it for now. Wish us luck that this drywall drama is short lived! And if you are interested in seeing the day-to-day progress, follow me on Instagram!
Be blessed,
Felicia.
Idk why it didn’t cross my mind before, but it’s extremely important to clean your tools after using them. I learned the hard way with my paint brushes and had to buy new ones. I am loving the images and videos for this entire process! #oneroomchallenge