Lesson 1Tapes, beads, and reinforcement: paper tape vs fiberglass mesh, metal and vinyl corner beads, flexible trim for revealsCovers tapes, beads, and supports that guard joints and corners. You will compare paper and fibreglass mesh tape, choose metal or vinyl beads, and use flexible trims to make clean reveals and strong, crack-proof edges.
Paper tape vs fiberglass mesh performanceInside and outside corner bead selectionMetal vs vinyl beads and corrosion issuesFlexible trims for reveals and archesFastening and embedding corner beadsLesson 2Large tools and equipment list: drywall lifts, screw guns, screw setters, taping knives (6", 10", 12", 14"), hawk and trowel, mud pan, mixing drill and paddle, pole sanderDetails big tools that boost productivity and quality in drywall jobs. You will learn correct use of lifts, screw guns, taping knives, hawks, pans, mixers, and pole sanders, plus setup, adjustments, and safe handling.
Drywall lifts setup and safe operationScrew guns, collated drivers, and settersTaping knife sizes and proper techniquesUsing hawk, mud pan, and trowel efficientlyMixing drill, paddle, and pole sander useLesson 3Personal protective equipment and site safety gear: NIOSH-rated respirators for dust, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, hard hat, knee padsOutlines personal safety gear and site protection for drywall tasks. You will select NIOSH-rated respirators, eye and ear protection, gloves, hard hats, and knee pads, and arrange safe access and site upkeep.
NIOSH-rated respirators and filter choicesEye and face protection for dust and chipsHearing protection for power toolsGloves, hard hats, and safety footwearKnee pads and ergonomic work practicesLesson 4Joint compounds and additives: setting-type compounds (hot mud), ready-mix all-purpose and topping compounds, primers and bond coat optionsExplores joint compounds and additives for taping, filling, and finishing. You will compare setting-type and ready-mix products, pick all-purpose or topping mud, and use primers and bonding coats to boost sticking and strength.
Setting-type compounds and working timesReady-mix all-purpose vs topping mudLightweight vs conventional compound useAdditives for workability and shrinkagePrimers and bond coats over tricky surfacesLesson 5Fasteners, adhesives, and backing: drywall screws (coarse/fine thread), drywall nails, construction adhesive, backing clips for ceiling jointsExamines fasteners, glues, and supports that hold drywall in place. You will compare screw threads, nails, and building adhesives, and use backing clips and blocks to support joints, corners, and ceiling joins.
Coarse vs fine thread drywall screwsDrywall nails and when to avoid themConstruction adhesive use and spacingBacking clips for unsupported jointsBlocking for fixtures and heavy loadsLesson 6Consumables and sundries: screws, washers, caulk, mesh patches for repair, masking tape, drop clothsReviews supplies and small items that aid drywall fitting and fixing. You will choose screws, washers, caulk, mesh patches, masking tape, and drop cloths, and plan amounts to cut waste and keep site running smoothly.
Drywall screws, washers, and spacingCaulk types for gaps and movement jointsMesh patches for small hole repairsMasking tape and surface protectionDrop cloths and dust-containment optionsLesson 7Accessory tools and clean-up equipment: utility knives, T-squares, chalk line, laser level or plumb bob, ladders and scaffolding, HEPA vacuum and negative air machine (if available)Describes extra tools and cleaning gear that improve accuracy and safety. You will use knives, marking tools, ladders, scaffolds, HEPA vacuums, and negative air machines to keep areas clean, precise, and rule-compliant.
Utility knives, blades, and safe handlingT-squares, chalk lines, and layout checksLaser levels and plumb bobs for alignmentLadder and scaffold setup and inspectionHEPA vacuums and negative air machinesLesson 8Finishing materials: sanding screens, joint compound mixing tools, surface primers (PVA and drywall primer) and block fillersFocuses on finishing materials that ready surfaces for paint or texture. You will pick sanding abrasives, use mixing tools right, and choose PVA primers, drywall primers, and block fillers for various bases.
Sanding screens vs sandpaper selectionHand and pole sanding techniquesJoint compound mixing tools and carePVA and drywall primer applicationsBlock fillers for porous or damaged wallsLesson 9Drywall board types and sizes: gypsum regular, moisture-resistant (green/blue board), fire-rated (Type X), typical thicknesses (1/2", 5/8") and recommended choices for walls and ceilingsExplains common drywall board types, core features, and standard sizes. You will match regular, moisture-resistant, and fire-rated boards to spots, and select right thicknesses for walls, ceilings, and special design or code needs.
Regular gypsum board properties and usesMoisture-resistant boards for wet areasFire-rated Type X and code requirementsStandard thicknesses and edge profilesBoard selection for walls vs ceilings
