How to Tape and Peel New Construction Drywall

Taping

• 1

  Check the depth of your drywall nails or screws by running your hand over the drywall. Countersink any that extend above the surface of the drywall with a hammer or screwdriver. The heads of the nails and screws should press into the drywall slightly, causing minor dimples in the surface paper.

• 2

  Mix the drywall joint compound in a bucket with water until it resembles cake batter. Fill the joints between each sheet of drywall with the joint compound, pressing it in place with the broad edge of a drywall knife. Use the edge of the knife to scrape off any excess compound from the surface of the drywall.

• 3

  Apply long strips of mesh drywall joint tape over the seams, pressing them firmly along the edges to create a flat surface over the pliable joint compound. Scrape up any compound that squeezes beyond the edges of the tape.

• 4

  Apply a second coat of drywall compound over the tape in a thin coat to avoid lumps. Scrape off the excess joint compound. Let the compound dry and apply another thin coat, if necessary, to cover the edges of the tape and the joint indentation.

• 5

  Fill the screw or nail dimples with joint compound, using the flat edge of the drywall knife. Scrape the putty even with the surrounding surface of the drywall. Let the putty in the joints and dimples dry completely.

Texturing

• 6

  Mix the drywall joint compound to a splatter consistency. Depending on the amount of depth you want in your peel texture, this may resemble the consistency of slightly runny pancake batter. Fill the hopper of a texture spray gun with the mixed compound.

• 7

  Turn on the compressor and spray a small amount of wet compound over a scrap of cardboard. Adjust the airflow nozzle until you achieve the desired peel texture.

• 8

  Spray the texture onto the wall. Start near the ceiling and apply the texture evenly in a horizontal pattern. Go back and forth over the area within your immediate reach long enough to achieve the pattern you desire. Work your way down the wall, slightly overlapping the edges of each section to achieve an even coat of texture. Finish the remainder of the walls in this manner.