Patching and Plastering - What Tools Do I Need to Buy?
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JaneGael
11-07-09, 06:22 AM
As I said on another thread, my husband got sick, then got very sick and now I am alone and responsible for fixing up the house we bought. I don't know much about home repair, so I'm struggling to learn as much as I can so I can start on some of the smaller repairs, such as fixing cracks in the corners where the drywall has shifted and filling in nail holes. My problem is I don't know what tools to buy or where to start. :wall:
I watch the videos and they have some differing opinions and frequently are very generic. They know what they are talking about and using, but a novice like me doesn't. I need to buy some tools, but standing looking at the array at Lowes just baffles me and the "help" isn't very helpful.
What are the putty knife looking tools they use to smooth the drywall compound and what size should I buy for smaller repair jobs?
What size sandpaper should I get to smooth the repair? It doesn't seem to come in multiple size packs any more.
What IS the best stuff to use to repair corner cracks and fill nail holes? There seems to be a lot of different opinions on that as well. I have a sizable corner crack that runs almost the length of the wall next to my front door where there is only about an inch of room on one side between the corner and the door molding.
Thanks,
Jane
I watch the videos and they have some differing opinions and frequently are very generic. They know what they are talking about and using, but a novice like me doesn't. I need to buy some tools, but standing looking at the array at Lowes just baffles me and the "help" isn't very helpful.
What are the putty knife looking tools they use to smooth the drywall compound and what size should I buy for smaller repair jobs?
What size sandpaper should I get to smooth the repair? It doesn't seem to come in multiple size packs any more.
What IS the best stuff to use to repair corner cracks and fill nail holes? There seems to be a lot of different opinions on that as well. I have a sizable corner crack that runs almost the length of the wall next to my front door where there is only about an inch of room on one side between the corner and the door molding.
Thanks,
Jane
marksr
11-07-09, 07:19 AM
Hi Jane, I can't remember - does your house have plaster or drywall?
For the most part, they can be repaired the same. To apply and smooth out the joint compound you'll want a 4"-6" flexable knife. It's harer to get a smooth job with a stiff knife, they are better for scraping.
It also helps to have a mud pan to hold [and mix if needed] the joint compound.The pan also allows you to scrape the knife on the edge of the pan to clean it. Some like to use a hawk instead of a pan so you could use a scrap piece of plywood to hold the j/c. Personally I find a mud pan easier to use.
Cracks in drywall and sometimes plaster should be taped. The paper tape has a better track record than the 'sticky' [mesh] tape. Setting compounds like durabond dry faster than the ready mix j/c found in buckets. Setting compound is a powder that you mix with water, it dries quicker and harder, it's also hard to sand :wall: Setting compounds work good for plaster repairs and often can be used without tape for repairing plaster.
120-150 grit sandpaper works well for sanding j/c. Your corner crack next to the door casing would be a good place to 'cheat' by using a latex caulk to fill the crack. A damp sponge/rag will help you to smooth it out.
For the most part, they can be repaired the same. To apply and smooth out the joint compound you'll want a 4"-6" flexable knife. It's harer to get a smooth job with a stiff knife, they are better for scraping.
It also helps to have a mud pan to hold [and mix if needed] the joint compound.The pan also allows you to scrape the knife on the edge of the pan to clean it. Some like to use a hawk instead of a pan so you could use a scrap piece of plywood to hold the j/c. Personally I find a mud pan easier to use.
Cracks in drywall and sometimes plaster should be taped. The paper tape has a better track record than the 'sticky' [mesh] tape. Setting compounds like durabond dry faster than the ready mix j/c found in buckets. Setting compound is a powder that you mix with water, it dries quicker and harder, it's also hard to sand :wall: Setting compounds work good for plaster repairs and often can be used without tape for repairing plaster.
120-150 grit sandpaper works well for sanding j/c. Your corner crack next to the door casing would be a good place to 'cheat' by using a latex caulk to fill the crack. A damp sponge/rag will help you to smooth it out.