What Goes on Top of Drywall?

Compound

• Compound, also called spackle or mud, is an important item that goes on top of drywall. After hanging and screwing drywall to wall studs, you must apply the compound to the drywall board seams using a 4-inch-wide knife. Pouring the compound from its original container into a portable mud bucket makes the application process easier, as the bucket is easier to carry around. When applying the compound to the drywall joints, holding the knife at a 25-degree angle and applying a smooth layer of compound in one pass yields the best results. Removing excess compound from this area also is necessary. You must sand the first coat prior to applying two more coats of the compound to the drywall.

Tape

• Tape goes on top of the compound you applied to the drywall’s surface. The purpose of drywall tape is to cover voids and seal drywall sheets together. Applying drywall tape involves pulling tape off the roll and placing it on top of each drywall seam. The tape must be centered over the seam before you press it down into the compound. Press the knife against the tape to flatten it even more, by holding the knife at a 25-degree angle to the drywall’s surface.

Veneer

• Veneer plaster is another substance that goes over drywall, as long as the drywall is a blueboard -- drywall that has a waterproof coating. Veneer plaster creates a smooth or textured finish that is resistant to abrasion. This type of material is useful in high-traffic areas because of its durability. The veneer plaster finish goes over the drywall mud and tape.

Tiles

• Tiles also can go on top of drywall. For example, after hanging cement board -- a water-resistant form of drywall -- in the shower, you can then install tile on top. Tiles are suitable in bathrooms and kitchens, because they resist water, they are easy to clean, and they resist stains. Gluing the tiles to the cement board with latex tile mastic rather than with mortar prevents the tiles from sliding around during the project, as the mastic is stickier than mortar.