Drywall: Build Steps to Paint
Golden rule (order after MEP)
MEP rough-in & pressure tests → Framing → Services in studs/joists → Boarding (1st side) → Insulation & closures → Boarding (2nd side) → Jointing/Base skim → Finish skim → Primer (amorsă) → Washable paint.
Swapping steps leads to cracks, acoustic leaks, and costly rework.
Step-by-step (walls & ceilings)
- Layout & prep
- Set datums/levels with laser; mark door heads, bulkheads, soffits.
- Protect floors/adjacent finishes; confirm fire/acoustic ratings per room.
- Framing (metal studs/track or timber; MF for ceilings)
- Fix perimeter tracks; plumb studs/ceiling channels at specified centres.
- Install deflection head/resilient bars where required (acoustics/structures).
- Add solid backing for cabinets, TVs, basins, doors.
- Board one side (walls) / First layer (ceilings if multilayer)
- Use moisture-resistant boards in wet zones; fire-rated where required.
- Stagger joints; keep 5–10 mm perimeter gaps (later sealed).
- Screw to spec (spacing & depth); no broken paper.
- Services & inspections
- Run electrics, plumbing, HVAC in cavities; label boxes/pipes.
- Pressure test plumbing; insulation on pipes where needed.
- Electrical continuity/IR tests as applicable.
- Infill & closures
- Install acoustic/mineral wool to cavity (full fill).
- Fit fire barriers/sealants at perimeters/penetrations (intumescent where required).
- Close the cavity: board second side (or next layers) with staggered joints.
- Joint treatment / base skim
- Tape (paper/fibreglass as specified), joint compound over seams and fasteners.
- External corners with metal/PVC beads; reinforce around openings.
- Sand flat; check plane with 2 m straightedge.
- Finish skim (glet de finisaj)
- Thin, full-surface skim for SR1 smoothness (≤3 mm deviation under 2 m).
- Light sanding with dust extraction; rake-light inspection to catch defects.
- Primer (amorsă) & paint
- Apply drywall sealer/primer to equalize suction and lock dust.
- Two finish coats of washable paint (kitchens/baths: moisture-resistant system).
- Maintain a wet edge; protect fresh coats from dust and drafts.
- Sealing & accessories
- Perimeter acoustic sealant, silicone in wet zones, fit trims/caps.
- Install access panels where services may require maintenance.
Hold points (quality checks)
- After framing: levels/plumb within tolerance; backing installed; correct centres.
- After services: pressure/electrical tests signed; photos of concealed routes.
- Before closing cavities: insulation and firestops in place; penetrations sealed.
- After jointing/skim: SR1 flatness; no visible ridges or pinholes under rake light.
- Before paint: dust-free, fully primed; sample patch approved.
Tolerances & details (guide)
- Flatness targets: SR1 ≤ 3 mm under 2 m (feature walls/ceilings).
- Screw spacing: ~150–200 mm edges / 200–300 mm field (per board spec).
- Gaps: 5–10 mm perimeter (filled/sealed after skim).
- Movement joints: mirror building joints; add at long runs as per system.
Moisture, fire & acoustics (don’t skip)
- Use MR boards in wet zones; waterproof membranes in showers before tiles.
- Fire-rated assemblies: correct board layers, joint tapes, and intumescent sealants at perimeters.
- Acoustics: full-fill mineral wool, staggered studs/resilient bars, putty pads behind sockets, continuous perimeter seal.
Common mistakes & fixes
- Closing walls before tests → hidden leaks. Fix: test & photograph first.*
- No backing for heavy items → failures later. Fix: plywood/metal plates at fix points.*
- Bridging resilient bars with screws → lost acoustic rating. Fix: train installers; mark bar lines.*
- Skipping primer → flashing/poor adhesion. Fix: always prime before paint.*
- Over-sanding through paper → fuzzing. Fix: use fine grit, proper compounds, light pressure.*
Cost & programme (percentages only; baseline = single-layer drywall, taped joints, one paint coat = 0%)
- Add mineral wool (acoustic): +10–20% materials; +0–5% labour; defects/callbacks −10–20%
- Double-layer boards / fire-acoustic build-up: +15–35%
- Resilient bars/decoupling: +10–25%; impact noise −20–40% vs baseline
- Full-surface finish skim (vs joints-only): +10–20% materials/labour; paint rework −10–25%
- Primer + 2 washable coats: +10–25% vs one coat; maintenance −10–20% in first 2 years
- Programme impact (doing it right): +10–20% time now, but −15–30% rework/snag time later
Quick checklist (print-ready)
- ☐ MEP rough-in tested & photographed
- ☐ Framing level, backing installed, deflection heads where needed
- ☐ Board type per zone (MR/fire) & correct screw pattern
- ☐ Cavities: mineral wool, firestops, sealed penetrations
- ☐ Joints taped; corners beaded; base skim smooth
- ☐ Finish skim to SR1; rake-light inspection passed
- ☐ Primer applied uniformly; 2 coats washable paint
- ☐ Perimeter acoustic sealant; wet-zone silicones complete
- ☐ Access panels fitted; final clean & handover
Pro tips
- Approve a sample wall/ceiling bay (including skim, primer, paint) before full rollout.
- Control humidity/temperature during jointing and skim; avoid forced drying.
- Keep finished drywall protected from other trades (corner guards, ram board on floors).
