How To Skim Coat Drywall

Excellent repair method for light wall damage

Knowing how to skim coat drywall will save you lots of expense when repairing rough, uneven, or scratched-up wall surfaces due to removal projects such as stripping wallpaper.

(Heavy wallpaper use was especially prevalent in older homes at the turn of the century, and all the way through the twenties and thirties of the early part of the 20th century. People sure seemed to prefer paper covering their walls in those "days gone by")

It's easy to do and something you can learn in a relatively short time. And what's really nice is that you don't need any drywall finishing experience whatsoever.

skimcoat

If you have ever tried to remove old, sticky wall paper down off the walls, you know what we're talking about. You know, the stuff that just does not want to come off.

And in your frustration, you end up gouging out about a half the wall anyway. This is when knowing how to skim coat drywall can be very useful.

Here Is What You Do
drywall knife 6

Use a 6", 8" or 12" drywall knife to apply some joint compound (drywall mud) to a rough patch of wall space. Lightly smooth it out till all intended areas are satisfactorily covered with a thin film of mud.

I prefer to use a lightweight, all-purpose type of drywall compound. Something that isn't too hard to sand off as some other multi-purpose types can be.

Let completely dry

Lightly sand with light (fine grit - #220) sandpaper

Reapply another coat if needed, otherwise, prime and paint. The main thing you want to do is eliminate any trace of scratches, dents, cracks, tears, etc.

Usually one coat will do the job. You might, on occasion, have to to apply and finish two coats, but generally speaking one should be enough. It really depends on how rough or scratched-up the walls are to begin with.

finish skimcoat

When you're done with the final sanding step, you'll add the primer and finish coat of paint.

You'll achieve the results you want of a smooth finish, with no hint of scratches or abrasions anywhere (pictured).

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