How To Finish Drywall Without Sanding

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Written By John Wout

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Sanding is the process of smoothing a surface by rubbing it with an abrasive material, such as sandpaper. Drywall finishing is the process of smoothing out the drywall mud to create a level surface. Let us expand more on how to finish drywall without sanding.

Several Ways To Seal and Finish Drywall Without Sanding

With A Primer And Paint

This is the most common way to finish drywall. The primer seals the drywall and the paint provides a decorative finish. However, if you want to add a little extra protection or if your wall isn’t completely smooth, you can also use a drywall compound. This will fill in any gaps or cracks in the wall and give it a nice, smooth finish.

With Joint Compound

A joint compound is used to fill in the gaps between the drywall panels and to make the surface smooth. It can be applied with a trowel or a sprayer. After the joint compound dries, it can be sanded smooth.

With A Textured Finish

There are several types of textures that can be applied to drywall, such as knockdown, orange peel, and swirl. These textures are applied with a sprayer and do not need to be sanded.

With A Wallpaper or Vinyl Covering

Wallpaper or vinyl can be applied over the drywall to provide a decorative finish.

  • You’ll need a helper to hold the covering while you smooth it out and attach it to the wall.
  • Cut the covering slightly larger than the surface area, and use a utility knife or scissors to cut slits in the covering every 6 inches or so.
  • Starting at one end, peel the backing off of the covering and smooth it onto the wall. Use a putty knife or your fingers to press out any air bubbles.
  • If necessary, trim the covering with a utility knife or scissors to fit perfectly.
  • If you’re using wallpaper, apply the paste to the back of the paper and press it firmly against the wall. Work from top to bottom, smoothing out any air bubbles.
  • Allow the wallpaper or vinyl to dry completely before touching it.
how to finish drywall without sanding - image from pixabay by anaterate
How to finish drywall without sanding – image from pixabay by anaterate

With A Metal Stud Panel

Metal stud panels can be installed over the drywall to provide a finished appearance and structural strength.

Paper-Faced Gypsum

With a paper-faced gypsum board, you will need to score the surface of the board with a utility knife. Be very careful not to cut into the gypsum core. Once scored, you can break the board along the scoreline by bending it back and forth until it snaps. If there are any large pieces still attached, you can use a hammer and chisel to break them off. Finally, use a vacuum cleaner to remove all the dust and debris.

No matter which method you choose, it is important to seal the edges of the drywall with tape. The most common type of tape is fiberglass tape, but there are also tapes made from paper, plastic, and aluminum. The tape is applied over the seams and then covered with a joint compound. After the joint compound dries, it can be sanded smooth.

5 Reasons Why You Might Choose Not To Sand Drywall.

Drywall is a popular building material because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, one downside to using drywall is that it typically needs to be sanded before you can paint or wallpaper it. If you are looking for an alternative way to finish drywall without sanding, here are five reasons why you might choose to do so:

  1. Time Savings – Sanding drywall can be a time-consuming process, especially if you have a large area to cover. By avoiding the sanding step, you can save yourself some time and get your project done more quickly.
  2. Dust Reduction – Sanding drywall produces a lot of dust, which can be difficult to clean up and can potentially cause respiratory problems. If you are looking for a way to minimize the amount of dust in your workspace, avoiding the sanding step is a good option.
  3. Money Savings – Sandpaper is an expensive commodity, and the more sanding you do, the more money you will end up spending. If you are looking for a way to save money on your project, avoiding the sanding step is definitely a good option.
  4. Improved Appearance – When you sand drywall, it can often leave behind visible scratches and marks. By avoiding the sanding step, you can maintain the smooth surface of the drywall and achieve a better-finished appearance.
  5. Safer Work Environment – Sanding drywall can be a dangerous activity, especially if you are not experienced in doing it. By avoiding the sanding step, you can make your work environment safer and reduce the risk of injury.
how to finish drywall without sanding - image from pixabay by kingscreative
How to finish drywall without sanding – image from pixabay by kingscreative

Finish Drywall Without Dust

There are a few ways to finish drywall without sanding. You can use a finishing knife, a roller, or a brush.

If you’re using a knife, make sure the blade is sharp and then run it over the seams in a smooth motion. Be careful not to press too hard, or you’ll create more dust.

For a roller, use a paint roller that has an extension handle. This will help you reach the high parts of the wall. Dip the roller into the paint and roll it over the seams in long strokes.

To use a brush, dip it into the paint and then dab it onto the seams. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. If you have any leftover paint, you can use it to touch up the wall later.

Smooth Walls

There are a few ways to do this. You can use a plaster or drywall compound, which will fill in any gaps and give the wall a smooth finish. If you want to avoid using any type of compound or spray, you can also use a roller or brush to apply a layer of paint over the drywall. This will help to conceal any bumps or unevenness. Whichever method you choose, make sure to smooth out the surface as well as you can before applying the next layer.

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