how to finish bottom of drywall in garage

Posted on by

Finishing the bottom of drywall in a garage is an essential step to provide a clean and polished look to the walls while also protecting the drywall from moisture and damage. Here’s how you can finish the bottom of drywall in your garage:

Materials and Tools You’ll Need:

  • Drywall sheets
  • Drywall screws
  • Drywall joint compound (mud)
  • Drywall tape (paper or mesh)
  • Taping knife
  • Sandpaper (various grits)
  • Primer
  • Paint
  • Safety gear (goggles, dust mask, gloves)

Steps:

  1. Measure and Cut Drywall:
    • Measure the height from the floor to the bottom of the drywall on your garage walls.
    • Cut the drywall sheets to the required height using a utility knife or a drywall saw.
  2. Attach Drywall Sheets:
    • Position the cut drywall sheets horizontally along the bottom of the garage wall.
    • Secure the drywall sheets to the wall studs using drywall screws. Place screws approximately every 12 inches along the studs, ensuring that the drywall is firmly attached.
  3. Apply Drywall Joint Compound:
    • Apply a thin layer of drywall joint compound (mud) to the seams and screw indentations using a taping knife.
    • Embed drywall tape (either paper or mesh) into the wet mud along the seams. Press it firmly into the mud.
    • Use the taping knife to smooth out the tape and remove any excess mud. This is known as the first coat.
  4. Additional Coats and Sanding:
    • Allow the first coat of mud to dry completely (usually 24 hours). After drying, apply a second coat of mud over the seams, feathering it out to blend with the surrounding drywall.
    • Allow the second coat to dry and repeat the process with a third coat if necessary for a smooth finish.
    • After the final coat has dried, sand the seams and any imperfections with sandpaper. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and progressively use finer-grit paper until the surface is smooth.
  5. Prime and Paint:
    • Once the drywall is smooth and free of imperfections, apply a coat of primer to the entire bottom section of the garage wall. Primer helps the paint adhere better and provides an even finish.
    • After the primer dries, apply one or more coats of paint in your desired color.
  6. Clean Up and Dispose of Waste:
    • Clean your tools and dispose of any waste materials properly, including drywall scraps, mud containers, and used sandpaper.
  7. Inspect and Touch Up:
    • After the paint has dried, inspect the finished bottom section of the drywall for any missed imperfections. Touch up as needed with additional coats of paint or joint compound.

Finishing the bottom of drywall in a garage not only enhances the appearance but also provides added protection to the lower portion of the walls, which is susceptible to moisture and damage. Proper finishing ensures that your garage walls are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.