What I know about drywalling so far

Drywall notes:

1. Whenever possible, two or more people
2. Almost always use cleats
3. Line up seams over joist/stud/nailer
4. A small scrap of 2x4 with a deck screw is a good way to pull the sheet close to the nailing surface. Don't use the drywall screws until there is no gap.
5. Use screws no longer twice the thickness of the sheet
6. Don't do anything if you are off balance
7. Mark the sheet with screw lines
8. Dry fit
9. Somehow it will always take longer than you think it will
10. As few joints as possible and when there are joints, factory edge to factory edge.  Avoid butt joints and non factory edge to factory edge.
11. All Purpose Joint Compound is good for starting joints because it is strong but it is a pain to sand. Lightweight is easier to sand but not as strong. Both crack if applied too thick.

First coat use setting-type or all purpose. First coat should be thing and require little sanding. Screw holes and topping coats should be lightweight. Start straight joints with a 12 inch knife and corner bead with 6 inch. I don't use other knifes.

Mesh tape is good for factory edge to factory joints with little movement. Strong mesh tape or paper tape for difficult, uneven and butt  joints.

So far, putting an index finger off to one side seems to work.



Compound Type   | Sanding | Shrinkage | Strength
----------------+---------+-----------+-----------
Setting         | Hard    | None      | Strong
All Purpose     | Med.    | Most      | Medium
Lightweight     | Easy    | Min?      | Weak