Now Serving all of Vancouver and the Fraser Valley

The move to Abbotsford is complete. I've been getting alot of interest for my services from the Fraser Valley so I decided to move out here. I still be be doing projects in Vancouver but hope to land local contracts closer to home. I haven't acquired all my equipment yet but can still pull off simple projects with what I have on hand so feel free to send me an email ( canadian_web@hotmail.com ) with your construction projects parameters and I'll pop in have a look, give you a free quote we'll go from there. Thanks.

Taping Corners Master Drywall Taper

Here's a good video of the care needed to tape and sand corners. This drywall taping video is located in a back room office vestibule area but gets the exact same attention as any area of the project.

Taping Tips Satirical Commercial

Here's a funny drywall taping video that Tom put together for me.

Now ...

you have to understand that we are artists and aren't exactly "normal" so bear that in mind if you are interested in watching this drywalling video. I'll show you how to empty a box of mud into a pail. Then I'll demonstrate both ambidexterity and the flexibility required of a drywall taper to tape window wells properly and efficiently.

Ok ...

Here Drywall Taping Tips 1.0

Installing Roll On Bead Drywall Compound

 I bumped into a guy at a job site the other day. He said he was a drywall taper. I was surprised when he told me that he didn't own a trowel. Needless to say, I was shocked beyond belief when he explained his process of caulking the corners and then smoothing out the caulking with a putty knife and calling that a finished corner. Unbelievable! Well, this guy wouldn't stand a chance at being a real drywall taper. Sure he finishes projects ten times faster than me but hey my inside corners are immaculate, they last forever and are super sharp.

Anyway, I figured I may as well explain the process of installing and finishing roll-on bead. I like to use roll-on bead for any 45 degree angle (or likewise odd angles and for bulkhead work). The reason for bulkhead use is to make perfectly square and level outside corners. Roll-on beads also use less drywall compound than the traditional metal beading. I know some drywall tapers that won't touch the job unless all the bead are pre-installed. So for them, here Roll-On Beading 101.

The bead needs to be cut exactly to size with tin snips.

Drywall compound is liberally applied to the outside corners and squared off with a 6" knife. 

The roll-on bead is positioned, in this case, level to the ceiling.

I like to first squeeze out the mud working from the metal strips out using my fingers.

It's a little messy sometimes but effective and quick.

The remainder mud is squeezed out and the whole assembly is feathered.

Now the bead is set to dry for two days and then a second coat and final skim coat is applied. A light sanding afterwards finishes the task.

Interesting Drywalling Challenges

I took a few pictures of an interesting drywalling challenge. There were tons of challenging bulkheads in this renovation project.

Plenty of bulkeheads running into each other.

Here's an angled bulkhead challenge.

There were some really tough drywalling challenges.

Window wells were hard to work with but fun.

This basement descent created a drywall illusion.

Level 4 Drywall Taping

Drywall taping has standards. They are rated in Ontario from 1 to 5. Level 1 is basic fire coding where tape installed over drywall joints and a first coat of compound is applied. Level 1 requires no sanding to complete.

The finishing qualities are increased through Level 2 - 3 by applying additional layers of drywall compound. Level 2 finish and Level 3 finish each get a sanding at the end. Both these mediocrities are considered complete.

Level 4 is a skim coat of level 3. This is the standard associated with new homes, commercial, renovation ...



very interesting 45 angles into ceiling level 4 finish

 This is level 4 drywall taping. This photo is taken after level 4 sanding and before applying primer.

an example of challenging level 4 drywall taping

Master Tapers (level 4 and level 5) are Master Plasterers

Level 5 tapers are the equivalent of master plasterers as the entire surface requires compound application.

Level 5 is the highest quality and that is accomplished when the entire surface area is skimmed coated after level sanded finish. Level 5 needs a final sanding using very fine grit sandpaper. Drywallers who want work at this level will work in such environmnents as hospitals, expensive home construction/renovations and corporate office.

Finishing an Intricate Closet Area

first coat- 45 degree angles and bulkheads make for a challenging closet area

Thought I'd show a step by step sequence of how a closet is finished. This closet is located in a basement bedroom. I take exactly the same steps to finish it as I do every other area of the project. First the corners and joints get taped. Then corner beads are installed. This scenario has bulkheads so those extruding corners are finished with roll-on metal strips bead.

The closet area is taped and is ready for second coats