Lesson 1Tapes, beads, and reinforcement: paper tape vs fiberglass mesh, metal and vinyl corner beads, flexible trim for revealsDiscusses tapes, beads, and supports that guard joints and edges. Students compare paper and mesh tape, pick metal or plastic beads, and apply bendable trims for neat openings and strong, crack-proof borders.
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 sanderCovers big tools that boost speed and standards in drywall tasks. Students will spot proper use of lifts, drivers, knives, pans, mixers, and sanders, plus setup, tweaks, and safe operation steps.
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 padsDescribes personal gear and site safety items for drywall work. Students will select approved masks, eye and ear guards, hand covers, helmets, and knee supports, and arrange safe paths and tidiness.
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 optionsExamines joint mixes and extras for sealing, filling, and smoothing. Students compare quick-set and pre-mixed types, choose general or finish mud, and apply base coats for better grip 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 jointsReviews fasteners, glues, and supports that hold drywall firm. Students compare screw types, nails, and glues, and use clips and blocks to back joints, edges, 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 clothsLooks at everyday supplies that aid drywall fitting and fixes. Students will pick screws, rings, sealants, patches, tapes, and covers, and estimate amounts to cut waste and keep site running well.
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)Explains extra tools and cleaning gear that enhance precision and safety. Students will handle cutters, rulers, levels, ladders, vacuums, and air cleaners to keep areas clean, accurate, 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 fillersCenters on finishing supplies that ready surfaces for coating or patterns. Students will choose sanding materials, mix tools, and select base primers and 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 ceilingsClarifies usual drywall sheet kinds, inner makeup, and sizes. Students will pair standard, damp-proof, and fire-safe sheets to spots, and select thicknesses for walls, ceilings, and unique code or design demands.
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
