CertainTeed CTG_CT037_EF User Manual

Certainteed, Drywall finishing compound, Finishing guide

CertainTeed

Drywall Finishing Compound

Begin with the butt joints – the areas where the
unfinished ends of CertainTeed drywall meet.

First, apply a coat of Easi-
Fil

joint compound over

the joint with your four-inch
knife. Then, press the tape
firmly into the compound
by pressing your knife over
the tape. Squeeze out excess
compound, making sure

that there is enough Easi-Fil joint compound under
tape to make a good bond.

Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying
the next coat (24-hours between coats). If the tape
does lift along the edges after drying; simply cut out
the affected area in the shape of a canoe before
applying the next coat. If the tape lifts in the centre,
you must tear out affected area and re-tape.

Apply a second coat using
a 7" taping knife and this
coat should extend approx-
imately 4" - 6" beyond each
side of the joint. After the
coat dries approximately
24 hours, sand the area

Apply a third coat using a
12" taping knife and this
coat should be a thin coat
and should extend approxi-
mately 7-12" beyond each
side of the joint. The further
you feather the compound
out, the harder it will be to
see imperfections.

When you are finished, you may want to test the
finishing by holding your 12-inch finishing knife
blade across the joint. If the blade rocks, you’ll
know there is still a hump, which will need further
feathering.

sanding

Do not sand after applying tape, remove small
lumps behind with your knife before applying 2nd
coat. When sanding use 150-180 grit paper and
always sand along the outside edge well, so that
the transition between the compound and the
CertainTeed drywall are smooth with no imperfec-
tions. Then sand the rest of the joint lightly in order
to make smooth. Be careful not to sand too much
off. If too much is sanded off, you will need to
apply additional coats of compound.

inside corners

Inside corners will need to be taped as well. First,
apply a thin layer of joint compound on both sides
of the corners using a 2-1/2" taping knife, extend-

ing the compound slightly
beyond where the tape
would extend.

Next, fold the tape and
lightly press it into the
corner with your knife.
Once it is in place, using

your 2-1/2" knife or a corner tool to firmly embed
the tape into the compound. Allow to dry for
24-hours, then apply a second coat using a 7"
taping knife to one side of the corner. You can only
do one side of the corner today, as the compound
must dry completely so the other side can be
finished tomorrow. Do the same for the third coat,
using a 12" taping knife.

Measure bead and cut to
right length; a snug fit from
floor to ceiling (about 1/4"
shorter than the wall
height). With a 7" knife
apply a generous amount
of Easi-Fil joint compound
on either side of corner.

Using even pressure, press
paper / metal bead onto
corner into position, ensur-
ing it is aligned; embed it
into compound by running
the knife at 45° angle. Let
dry for 24-hours. Apply a
second coat with the 7"

knife, allowing knife to rest on nose of the bead. Let
dry for 24-hours and apply a third coat. After another
24-hours, sand the corner to a smooth finish.

Finishing Fasteners

You will want to coat each of the nail or screw
heads used to fasten your CertainTeed drywall with
Easi-Fil joint compound.

After the first coat has dried completely, you will
need to sand and apply two more coats to the
fasteners, sanding between each coat.

Joint treatment and taping

The finishing process requires patience! You
should apply three coats of Easi-Fil

joint com-

pound through the process and allow 24-hours of
drying time between applications. The first coat is
used to embed the tape, while the two finishing
coats feather out the compound, resulting in a uni-
form, smooth finished surface.

A few pointers for easy and safe application:
o

Always wear a dust mask when sanding

Use only a 150 - 180 grit sandpaper, designed

especially for joint compound

Keep your knife clean by drawing it over the

edge of the mudpan or hawk.

Throw out any dried bits of joint

compound… they will leave scratches

Don’t worry about a smooth finish on the first

coat… the finishing coats will take care of that.

Stir joint compound well before use. Add clear

water for desired consistency.

Joint compound should never be frozen.

In cold weather compound should be at room
temperature 24 hours before using.

taping and Finishing

outside corners

Finishing Guide

sMaLL BreaKs

To repair small cracks and holes, first remove any
loose material. Then, using a clean putty knife, fill the
opening with joint compound. Let it dry and apply
additional coats, if needed. To repair larger cracks,
embed a piece of joint tape to cover the opening,
then apply a second coat of joint compound and
finish the surface.

Larger BreaKs

Where the tape will not bridge the opening, use a
keyhole or other saw to cut out an area around the
hole. Cut the drywall back to the center of the stud
on either side of the damaged area. For a large

crack, remove the section and any fasteners with a
hammer or screw gun. Measure and cut a new
gypsum board panel to fit the damaged area.
Fasten it to the studs. Apply joint compound and
embed the tape to all four sides of the replacement
piece. Or, for larger holes, use self-sticking fiber-
glass tape along the edges and apply joint com-
pound. Let it dry, then apply a second coat,
feathering to produce a smooth surface. If neces-
sary, apply a third coat.

popped naiLs

Press the drywall firmly against the framing mem-
ber. Drive and dimple a new nail about 1- 1/2” from

the popped nail. Then drive the first nail below the
surface of the board. Cover the dimples with joint
compound.

torn Face paper

Peel away any loose paper. Apply a very thin layer
of joint compound, using a finishing knife large
enough to cover the damaged area. Feather it to
get a smooth finish. Let it dry for 24 hours and
apply a second coat, if needed.

repairs

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