• Home
  • DIY
    • Accessories
    • Art
    • Drywall
    • Lighting
    • Flooring
    • Painting
    • Tools
    • Window treatments
    • Woodwork
  • Decor
    • Closet
    • Dining room
    • Guest bedroom
    • Hallway
    • Kitchen
    • Living room
    • Office
  • Life
    • Home ownership
    • Organization
  • Archives
  • Get the latest updates
  • FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST!
    Social Icons
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Hello home, girl!

making a home on a tiny budget.

05/13/2021

One Room Challenge: Week 2 | Drywall finishing tips

Drywall pan and joint compound
Drywall pan and joint compound

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.

taping drywall seams
Drywall seams

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?

Uhhh…the quote was $1500. And I don’t have that to spare. Trust me, I wish I could like I’ve done before!!!

drywall seams
Joint compound over mesh tape seams

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.

drywall work
I got my own drywall techniques.


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.

Related

DIY, Drywall

Posts you may like

  • Skimming a textured wall for wallpaper

    Skimming a textured wall for wallpaper

  • DIY is not easy.

    DIY is not easy.

  • How To Fill Gaps In A Board And Batten Wall

    How To Fill Gaps In A Board And Batten Wall

Want to know the next post?

Reader Interactions

3 comments

  1. Sharda says

    05/13/2021 at 10:25 pm

    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

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
Next post

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I’m Felicia.
Welcome to hellohomegirl.com, my passion project about the musings of home decor, DIY, homeownership, and life. Here, you'll find helpful tips to creating your home with a lot of heart and a tiny budget.
Archives
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • March 2021
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
Latest Grams

hello_home_girl

I'm just too broke to do otherwise, beloved. ❤️

---

(I'm kidding mostly)
#diyhome #diyprojects #strugglebus
I want to hear from you: What is the best advice I want to hear from you:

What is the best advice you've ever been told?

Mine was a question. My mom asked me, "Why do you like people who don't like you?"

Really digging my new print in my bathroom. Double exposure shot on film. Love it. A little joy on my mom's birthday. Thanks for the guidance, Mama.
Bumped my head on the chandelier one good time and Bumped my head on the chandelier one good time and my heart fell in my stomach!

#diningroomdecor #chandelier #maximalistinteriors #westelm #cleaningup
A modest summertime moment from 2022. This was one A modest summertime moment from 2022. This was one of the most relaxing stays ever. Waking up to an unobstructed mountain sunrise was amazing. 

Hopefully, we'll visit this spot again in 2023.
Shout out to @pinterestcreators and @headspace for Shout out to @pinterestcreators and @headspace for the wellness package! ❤️♥️💕

If you were to make a wellness package for someone, what would you include? LMK in the comments! 

(And extra shout out to the folks who save sturdy and cute boxes.)

#wellnesswednesday #pinterestinspired
New year, same headband. You know the vibes. Are New year, same headband. You know the vibes.

Are you having new year festivities? Personally, I prefer to get all dressed up and stay at home! 💃🏾 So why not add some photo booth fun? 📸
.

See how I assembled this photo booth on my Pinterest page! Link in bio.

#happynewyear2023 #newyearsameme #diyphotobooth #discoball #nyeparty #nye2023
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

About
  • Just a little about me…
Privacy
  • Privacy
Recent Posts
  • How To Repot Pothos Plants For New Plant Lovers
  • Drawer Organization Ideas: Get Rid Of Your Mess Now!
  • No need for resolutions for the new year
  • DIY is not easy.
Privacy
  • Privacy
Hello home, girl! © 2023. Design by Kate.