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How to Sheetrock a Brick Fireplace

Drywall finishing is a unique skill, but can be accomplished by anyone with enough time and patience. Moreover, if you are able to finish sheetrock yourself, you will save immense amounts of money because sheetrock contractors charge per square foot. Many home owners will have brick fireplaces over which they wish to install drywall to give their home a more uniform appearance. This is not a highly difficult project and can be done successfully by any homeowner.

Things You'll Need

  • Small notched trowel
  • Bucket of construction adhesive
  • Fire-rated sheetrock
  • Sheetrock mud pad
  • Sheetrock joint compound
  • Sheetrock topping compound
  • Sheetrock taping knives (6, 8 and 10 inch)
  • Plastic Sheetrock corner bead
  • Staple gun
  • Staples
  • Pencil
  • Measuring tape
  • Sheetrock saw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use the measuring tape to measure the size of the areas on the fireplace which need to be covered with Sheetrock. Mark the measurements on a sheet of Sheetrock with a pencil, and cut out the appropriate pieces with a Sheetrock saw.

    • 2

      Use the notched trowel to spread an even layer of construction adhesive over the entire fireplace. Be sure to make even notches with the trowel to increase the likelihood of proper bond of the board to the adhesive. Place the cut pieces of Sheetrock in the proper locations and press firmly against the brick to ensure adhesion.

    • 3

      Use the measuring tape to measure the height of the corners. Mark the height on the plastic corner bead and cut to size. Use the staple gun and staples to secure the cornerbead in place.

    • 4

      Using a 6-inch Sheetrock taping knife, apply a coat of Sheetrock joint compound over the corner bead. Allow the compound to dry completely. Sand the coat of joint compound smooth with a sanding sponge.

    • 5

      Apply a coat of Sheetrock topping compound with an 8 inch Sheetrock taping knife and allow the compound to dry completely. Sand the compound smooth with a sanding sponge. Reapply the compound again with a 10-inch Sheetrock taping knife and allow it to completely dry. Sand smooth with a sanding sponge. Continue to apply topping compound with a 10-inch knife and sanding smooth repeatedly until you have achieved your desired smoothness and have blended the corner into the plane of the surface area.