Smoothing Out Drywall After Removing Panelling

RE: Smoothing Out Drywall After Removing Panelling Post by kimmcg (145) | (03/22/2007) Contact When we removed the panelling from our living room, we had no choice but to put up all new sheetrock. The panelling was apparently glued to the walls and when we pulled it of it ripped the sheet rock pretty badly. RE: Smoothing Out Drywall After Removing Paneling Post by GaJan (4) | (03/22/2007) Profile | Contact This is what my girlfriend and her husband, who are drywall finishers recommend. Depending upon the size of the area, go to your local hardware store or similar store, purchase some dry wall mud and a large putty knife. If needed, mix the mud with water according to directions. Put enough mud on the knife to smooth across it leaving a good foundation. Scrape the knife extra back into your mud "bucket". Take the knife over it again going through the center first, then the outer edges using equal pressure. Allow it to dry at least 12 hours. Reapply if needed and wait another 12 hours. Then sand it using fine sandpaper. They also recommend using a shop vac or vacuum to collect the dust and a soft brush attachment to go over the wall to make sure you have gotten all of the dust. Any kind of moisture on a rag is not advisable, as that adds moisture back into the mud. Hope this helps. Janet in Georgia RE: Smoothing Out Drywall After Removing Panelling Post by tismom (20) | (03/22/2007) Profile | Contact Assuming the drywall is in one piece with no breakage, these are the steps I suggest (been there done that!) I'm no pro but working alongside my husband when remodeling and adding on to our home, this is how we prepped drywall for painting. We used spackling compound, which is like plaster- (either premixed or dry, but we usually mixed our own so it wouldn't go to waste). With a putty knife or scraper, fill in the nail holes. If there are large areas to repair, I would suggest using a "mesh" screen specifically made for larger repairs so as to give the plastered area more support and prevent cracking later on. This is put over the spackled area, then a thin layer of spackling compound is applied over the screen. Always try to fill in enough and then some so it will be level with no dips when finished. Then remove excess with the putty knife or scraper, feathering the edges outward to smooth somewhat. Let dry overnight at least. We always waited 24 hours before sanding to a smooth finish. The dust from sanding can be removed from wall using a SLIGHTLY dampened rag. When completely dust free and dry, it's time to prime the drywall with a paint primer before painting the final color. Hope this helps. It does create a lot of dust, so be sure to cover furniture and store food tightly for protection. Good luck!