The 3 Most Common Types of Pre-Mixed Drywall Mud

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Drywall By Renso

As an extension of last month’s blog regarding the common types of drywall spackle, we would like to continue our conversation with a detailed look at one of the spackles we mentioned: premixed drywall mud. Here’s a little reminder:

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Pre-Mixed Drywall Mud:

Pre-mixed drywall mud is sold by the 4.5 gallon bucket, and comes pre-mixed and ready to use right out of the bag. All you need to do is add a little water to soften the mud. Then just thin to the consistency required for your particular drywall project. Thinner mud is best for projects that involve automatic taping tools or bedding and tape. Projects such as spackling walls will call for thicker mud.

The three most commonly used types of premixed drywall mud include 1) all-purpose joint compound, 2) lightweight all-purpose, and 3) topping compound. These compounds and more can be used in combination with one another. It all depends on the type of drywall project. Now let’s take a closer look at each one.

All-Purpose Joint Compound

The reason why this joint compound is referred to as “all-purpose” is because it can be used for any type of application. It has great adhesive agents, making it perfect for projects that require bedding in paper tape on drywall seams. It is also great to first coat seams and corners beads. However, it is not commonly used as a finish coat because it’s more difficult to stand than other related products, namely lightweight all-purpose compound.

Lightweight All-Purpose Compound

Although this drywall mud is light in weight, it can also be used for any application. Because lightweight all-purpose compound retains fewer adhesive agents in comparison to all-purpose joint compound, many professional drywall contractors believe it is not a good choice for taping drywall seams. Most prefer a more durable compound, such as all-purpose joint compound. Instead, professionals generally use lightweight all-purpose mud for the first and second coats of seams and corners beads. And it is almost always used as a finish coat because it’s so easy to sand.

Topping Compound

Topping drywall compound is used much less than the other two premixed drywall muds mentioned above. Most often, it is used as a topcoat for drywall seams and corner bead or for texture applications. But it is not recommended for taping joints.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall repair and installation services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are highly trained and experienced drywall contractors to provide a wide range of drywall services for both residential and commercial properties, including new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call or office directly at 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis drywall service, today.

Common Types of Drywall Spackle

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Drywall By Renso

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If you are setting out to repair a patch of drywall in your house, be prepared to face a whole lot of options in terms of choosing a drywall mud. There are various types of spackle available for drywall work and repair, but each one has separate qualities that meet certain drywall patching needs. It is important to know these differences so that you can properly match the type of mud to your drywall project. This will give you the best results.

Continue reading for a brief description of the most common types of drywall spackle on the market and
where to find them at the best prices in town.

Drywall Muds

There are two basic categories of drywall mud: 1) Quick-Setting and 2) Premixed. Quick-setting drywall mud is also referred to as “hot” mud because a chemical reaction occurs during the curing process that causes heat release. Premixed drywall mud is the more common or traditional drywall spackle, probably because it is ready to use. The type of spackle you choose for your project depends on the type of drywall work you need to do.

Hot Mud Spackle

Hot mud spackle comes in powder form, inside a paper bag lined with plastic to keep moisture out and the product fresh. Once the mix hardens, it can no longer be used. Even if just a small portion of the bag hardens, the entire bag is compromised. You can purchase hot mud with different drying times, from 5-minute drying to 90-minute drying, and more. Keep in mind that the actual drying times are usually around 5 or 10 minutes quicker than advertised. So 45-minute hot mud will likely only take 35 minutes or so to fully dry. And it is not fully-dry until it turns entirely white in color.

Hot mud is recommended for small patch jobs, like door knob holes because you don’t have to wait 24 hours to reapply your second or third coat. But many experts say mesh tape should be used with this type of spackle. And since it is slightly difficult to sand, it is not recommended to be used as a “finish” coat.

Premixed Mud

Since this mud is pre-mixed, it is virtually ready to go right out of the package. Premixed spackle is generally sold in 4.5 gallon buckets or boxes lined with plastic at any home improvement store. All you have to do is add a small amount of water to the mud to soften it up before application. The amount of thinning depends on the type of drywall project you have on deck. For instance, a thinner consistency of spackle is likely a better choice for when bedding in tape or using automatic taping tools. On the other hand, if you need to apply the spackle to walls, mud that is too thin will shrink back too much. The different types of premixed mud include light-weight all-purpose, all-purpose joint compound, and topping.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are highly-trained and licensed drywall contractors that offer a wide range of drywall services for residential and commercial properties. Trust us for outstanding results at a competitive price! Call 317-269-7319 to request an estimate for Indianapolis drywall repair, today.

Avoid Drywall Dust With Wet Sanding

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Drywall By Renso

Many property owners are tempted to use medium density fiberboard (MDF) instead of drywall to avoid all the dust that comes with sanding joint compound. But this is a novice mistake! Although theoretically its smooth fine surface would make an excellent choice for wall material, medium density fiberboard is better off used for wainscoting (paneled crown molding) than for walls. True, MDF is stronger and more stable than wood, but it will still move. Fluctuations in interior and exterior humidity levels causes medium density fiberboard to bend and warp. In fact, a 4 foot panel of MDF can expand and contract as much as 1/8th of an inch simply from average humidity variations. This would cause gaps to open up somewhere in the wall, regardless of how much glue and spline you used on the edges, thus wasting all the labor and money spent on installation in the first place.

On the other hand, drywall hardly moves with humidity changes, making it perfect for homes and buildings in all climates. And by wet-sanding the drywall joints, you can avoid all the dust. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for wet-sanding drywall joint compound.

Wet-Sanding Drywall

When it comes to drywall work, you can substantially limit dust by wet-sanding the drywall joints. And if you tape with caution, you can even limit the amount of sanding you need to do. A few supplies are required in order to wet-sand drywall. Visit your local home improvement store and purchase a large, flat drywall sponge for under $5. They have a course and less-course side, so they can be used for multiple applications. For drywall joint sanding, you’ll mostly need the less-course side.

Once you have applied the final coat of compound to your drywall, dampen the drywall sponge and smooth out any minor flaws on the surface of the wall. For rougher blemishes, use the course side of the sponge. The moisture in the drywall sponge controls the amount of dust created by smoothing out joint compound, thus making the process easier and more comfortable! By placing drop clothes or old bed sheets around the work space and wearing a respirator, you can reduce the effects of dust even more.

Professional Drywall Repair and Service

For professional drywall installation and repair, choose an experienced drywall contractor for results you can trust. This eliminates the need to exert effort in taking time off work, gathering all the supplies, implementing the project, and cleaning up after. With professional drywall service, you won’t have to miss work, take time out of your weekend, or spend hours shopping for materials. For a fair price, they can handle all aspects of your drywall needs.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are licensed, bonded, and insured drywall contractors with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Our drywall services include installation, repair, replacement, new construction, metal stud framing, remodels, and more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis drywall installation and repair, today.

Important Safety Tips for Drywall Work

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Drywall By Renso

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Whether doing it on your own or hiring a professional crew, working with drywall is a serious project that requires an acute attention to detail, and of course, an appreciation for safety. Often times, anyone outsourcing or performing drywall work is on a strict time schedule, which means many people are tempted to rush through the process. If this happens, important safety precautions and practices can be easily overlooked or forgotten.

The chief point here is to remember that proper drywall safety can only be achieved if you to take your time. Cutting corners and taking shortcuts will not improve the outcome of your project, nor will it protect you from accidents. Continue reading to review some important drywall safety tips and reminders to better protect yourself and your team on your next job.

Drywall Safety Tips

Drywall work includes a long list of duties that can lead to serious injuries and accidents if one is not careful. Cutting, lifting, hanging, screwing, taping, and using power tools are just a few parts of the drywall process that can be dangerous if not performed with the utmost care and caution. Follow the safety tips below to avoid harming yourself, others, and your property.

Stay Attentive to Heavy Weight. Remember that drywall sheets are heavy. A standard sheet of ½ inch drywall weighs an average of 1.7 pounds per square foot. So a 4×8 sheet can be as heavy as 54 pounds. You must be careful transporting, lifting, and storing heavy drywall sheets. If one were to topple over on a pet or child, it can cause serious injuries.

Watch Out for Large Buckets. Large 5-gallon buckets of compound are an overlooked, life-threatening hazard for pets and children when left unsupervised. There have been cases of drowning and suffocation in wet drywall compound, as well as, old compound buckets filled with water.

Control and Manage Dust. The dust that is produced from sanding drywall can be hazardous in many ways. It can cause minor to severe head and respiratory complications, such as coughing, sore throat, dry nose, red itchy eyes, skin irritations, and more. But drywall dust can also induce and worsen existing upper respiratory issues like allergies and asthma.

Additional Tips:

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???? Have a partner present to help lift and handle drywall sheets. Never lift alone.

???? Place sheets as close as possible to their final destination to reduce repeat lifting.

???? Avoid over-the-head drywall lifting and holding.

???? Take short breaks throughout the day to avoid over-exertion or muscle injury.

???? Wear dust masks, respirators, and safety goggles when sanding drywall.

???? Wear protective footwear, pants, and long-sleeved shirts.

???? Use damp sponges, shop vacuums, and microfiber cloths to remove dust.

???? Wait for dust to settle completely, and always work from the top down.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair you can trust. We are experienced drywall contractors that offer a wide range of commercial and residential services, including drywall repairs, replacements, installation, remodels, new construction, custom textures, grid ceilings, metal stud framing, and more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate for professional drywall installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

How to Hang Pictures on Walls

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Drywall By Renso

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Decorating your home gives you the platform to showcase your individual style. And what better way is there to express your unique flair and personal history than to hang pictures all around your house? But hanging up pictures takes some time and patience, as well as, a small amount of skill set. In order to get the best overall look, it is important to hang pictures evenly and level. And not just pictures, but other home décor items too, like coat racks, shelving, mirrors, and even personal documents like school diplomas. It is also important to know how to hang items properly so you do not damage your drywall.

If you are feeling a little intimidated about of hanging items on your walls, then you need to review the following guide to learn how to do it all on your own from now on!

What You Need:

• Stud Finder
• Laser Level (carpenters level)
• Tape Measure
• Hammer
• Nails
• Pencil (or painters tape)
• Frame-Backing/Hanger Kit (optional)
• Wall Anchors (optional)

Where to Start

When hanging pictures, you want to be sure the center point of either the picture or the grouping is at eye level. Too high will look odd, and too low will be obtrusive. When grouping items together, be sure to consider them as one whole unit, and use similar sizes, shapes, and colors for a coherent theme. It is helpful to arrange groups on the floor in front of the wall first, so you can adjust as much as you want in order to achieve the desired look. When you have special art, consider hanging them in areas where they can be spotlighted most often, such as foyers, entry ways, and dining rooms.

Another important aspect to consider before hanging wall pictures is anchor weight. Be sure the hanger is strong enough to support the weight of the frame and the art when hung on the wall. You may need to use wall anchors for areas that do not have available wall studs. It is recommended to purchase an assorted hanger and frame-backing kits. These kits come with a wide variety of hardware for hanging items on walls, such as sawtooth hangers, ring hangers, wire and eyelet hangers, and assorted wall anchors.

Step 1

Hold the picture at eye level against the wall.

Step 2

Mark the wall at the top center section of the frame using a pencil or removable painters tape. If it is too heavy or large, use a laser level.

Step 3

Find the “adjustment measurement” by measuring the distance between the top of the frame and the mounting hanger or center of the stretched wire.

Step 4

Underneath your original wall mark, make a second mark using the adjustment measurement. This second mark will indicate where the actual mounting hanger will attach on the wall.

Step 5

If you require wall anchors, install them first. You will need additional tools for pictures that require wall anchors, including a drill, drill bits, fasteners, and more.

Step 6

For pictures that do not require wall anchors, use your hammer to insert a nail into the second wall mark where the mounting hanger goes.

Step 7

Once the nail is in the wall, use both hands to hang the picture on the nail by either the mounting hanger or the stretched wire (whichever one your picture has).

Check out our article on how to remove old wall anchors if you have some left over from previous decor!

Indianapolis Drywall Services

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide a wide range of drywall services, including patchwork, hole repair, crack repair, installation, grid ceilings, custom textures, and more. Whether commercial or residential, our team of licensed drywall contractors are fully-equipped to get the job done in a time frame that’s convenient for you! Call 317-269-7319 to learn about our Indianapolis drywall services, prices and availability, today.

Should I Install Basement Drywall On My Own?

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Drywall By Renso

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Once a homeowner has made passed all the framing and electrical inspections, they have completed the major stages of finishing a basement, which means they are ready to enter the drywall phase. Although an exciting part of the basement refinishing process, the drywall phase can give homeowners anxiety. When people start thinking about drywalling their basements, they often become concerned over a number of factors.

Questions like “how long will it take?”, “how much will it cost?”, “what thickness should I buy?”, “what tools do I need?” and “Do I need waterproof board for my bathroom?” are all common among those preparing to drywall their basements. These inquiries almost always lead to the ultimate question of whether or not they should do it themselves or hire a contractor. Continue reading to learn the best method for superior basement drywall installation.

DIY Drywall Installation

Even for the most enthusiastic do-it-yourself or home improvement buff, drywall installation is best left in the hands of a professional. Not only is it safer and more cost-effective to hire a professional drywall contractor, it guarantees professional-grade results in an efficient time frame. It requires more than just the proper tools, training, and knowledge to achieve a good drywall job, it also takes resources, connections, experience, and more.

4 Reasons to Never Install Drywall Yourself:

You Don’t Have the Knowledge and Training.

A professional contractor has the knowledge, training, and experience to install drywall. Do you know which off-seam taping patterns are the best? Or anything about staggered drywall butt joints? As you can tell, drywall installation involves several details that only an experienced contractor knows well enough to decide for your basement.

You Don’t Have the Proper Tools or Man-Power.

To install drywall yourself, you would have to purchase all the necessary and unique tools and equipment needed for the job. And the chances of you using these tools and equipment again are very low, making them the opposite of a cost-effective investment. Also, if you don’t have a person to help, you are looking at buying even more expensive equipment, like ceiling lifts, to get the job done alone. A professional contractor already has the staff, tools, and equipment needed for the job, which allows them to install drywall properly and efficiently.

You Don’t Have Good Industry Connections.

If you are installing drywall on your own, you can expect to pay more for a smaller selection of product. A professional drywall contractor has better resources and connections for product. Not only can get better pricing on drywall sheets, they get it from the best and most cost-effective suppliers.

You Don’t Have the Time.

Unless you are retired or unemployed, it is unlikely that you have 8 to 10 weeks to complete your basement’s drywall installation project. And even if you did, after getting this far in the basement refinishing process, you don’t want to wait much longer for the end result! A professional drywall contractor has the tools, training, equipment, staff, and knowledge to get the job done in less than half that time.

Drywall Installation in Indianapolis

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are licensed, bonded, and insured with over 10 years of experience in the drywall construction industry. Our highly-trained drywall contractors provide affordable drywall repair, installation, metal stud framing, grid ceilings, and much more for both commercial and residential properties. Call 317-269-7319 to schedule a free estimate today.

Choose Drywall by Renso for Professional-Level Drywall Repair and Installation in Central Indiana!

Posted on June 2, 2016 by Drywall By Renso

Drywall by Renso is a locally-owned and operated drywall construction company based out of Indianapolis, but provides residential and commercial drywall repair and installation service for residential and commercial properties throughout Central Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall contractors with more than 10 years of experience working with a variety of properties and projects.

For residential properties, we offer a wide range of repair and remodeling work, including basement drywall service, ceiling repair, drywall patching, wall repair, and more. As for commercial properties, our services include everything from metal stud framing and new construction drywall, to full-service remodels, new additions, grid ceilings, and more. With our inventory, staff, and top-choice materials, we can provide ultimate drywall service and repair regardless of your projects size or scope. And now, we have a brand new website for you to enjoy!

Call Drywall By Renso at 317-269-7319 Today!

A Brand New Website for You!

Drywall by Renso has just launched a brand new website that comes with a long list of customer conveniences and amenities. We are proud to announce that our new site is totally user-friendly! We made is simple for you to browse our services, and learn more about drywall repair and installation work.

Peruse our various webpages that outline specific services you may need, including custom drywall textures, drywall repair, remodels, and more! Not only can you take a closer look at our company credentials and services, you can learn some valuable information about drywall on our FAQS page! Read through a list of frequently asked questions about drywall for a better understanding of drywall history, misinformation, useful information, and more.

Indianapolis Drywall Services You Can Trust

As licensed, bonded, and insured drywall contractors, you know you can trust our service. But as an extra bonus, we provide a Satisfaction Guarantee on all our drywall work, no matter how small or large the job. Whether you need a door knob hole patched up, or full-service drywall installation for an entire new addition, your property is covered. We are the true industry professionals to call for outstanding results that stand the test of time.

Drywall by Renso

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 to learn more about the incredible Indianapolis drywall services we offer. Don’t forget we also service all of Central Indiana, as well as the Metro Indy areas. We offer free estimates, written estimates, flexible scheduling, free advice, and friendly phone service too. Call 317-269-7319 for drywall repair and installation in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding locations today.