How to Do Drywall With Uneven Sheetrock

Uneven sheetrock can be transformed into a uniform paintable surface using drywall mud.

Sheetrock is the most common material used for walls in modern residential construction. It comes in large sheets, which makes it difficult to hang without resulting in uneven seams. However, there are a few techniques you can use to create a smooth, uniform wall surface even if the sheetrock refuses to hang evenly.

Things You'll Need

• Drywall tape
• 4- to 6-inch Flex putty knife
• Drywall mud (also known as joint compound)
• Drywall paper
• 12-inch Finishing knife
• Drywall sponge

Send to Phone

Brought to you by

Send to Phone

Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.

Send

A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.

Close

Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. Message and data rates may apply.

Instructions

1. Apply drywall tape to the joints between the sheets. The tape should be straight and should overlap both adjoining sheets evenly.

2. Cover the tape with a thin layer of drywall mud. Use just enough to completely hide the tape. Use a putty knife to smooth the mud into a uniform layer.

3. Cover the wet mud with drywall paper. Run a putty knife across the paper to force out any bulges or air bubbles.

4. Apply a second coat of drywall mud on top of the paper, smoothing it into a thin, uniform layer using a 12-inch finishing knife.

5. Feather the drywall mud using a damp drywall sponge. The mud should merge seamlessly with the surrounding sheetrock. Allow the mud to dry for 12 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Using high-visibility drywall tape can help gauge the proper amount of drywall mud to use. When the color of the tape no longer shows through the mud, the layer is thick enough.

References

• Make Your Own House: Drywall-Finish and Sheetrock Basics