Lesson 1Tapes, beads, and reinforcement: paper tape vs fiberglass mesh, metal and vinyl corner beads, flexible trim for revealsThis covers tapes, beads, and supports that guard joints and edges. Compare paper and fibreglass tape, pick metal or plastic beads, and apply bendy trims to make neat gaps and strong edges that resist cracks in interior finishes.
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 sanderThis lists big tools that boost speed and quality in drywall tasks. You will learn proper use of lifts, drivers, knives, pans, mixers, and sanders, plus how to set up, adjust, and handle them safely on the job site.
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 padsThis outlines gear to protect yourself and keep the site safe during drywall work. Choose approved masks for dust, eye and ear guards, hand covers, helmets, and knee supports, and set up safe paths and clean areas.
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 optionsThis explores fillers and extras for joining, filling, and smoothing. Compare quick-set and pre-mixed types, pick general or finish fillers, and apply base coats and primers to boost sticking and lasting power on surfaces.
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 jointsThis looks at fixings, glues, and supports that hold drywall firm. Compare screw types, nails, and building glues, and fit clips and blocks to back joints, edges, and ceiling joins for strong installations.
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 clothsThis reviews everyday supplies that aid drywall fitting and fixes. Select screws, rings, sealants, net patches, cover tape, and sheets, and estimate amounts to cut waste and keep the 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)This describes extra tools and cleaning gear that aid precision and safety. Use cutters, rulers, lines, levels, steps, frames, vacuums, and air cleaners to keep work areas tidy, accurate, and meeting standards.
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 fillersThis focuses on materials for smoothing surfaces ready for paint or patterns. Pick sanding meshes, mix tools, PVA bases, drywall primers, and fillers for various bases to get even, prepared walls.
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 ceilingsThis explains usual drywall sheet kinds, inner makeup, and sizes. Match standard, damp-proof, and fire-safe sheets to spots, and select right thicknesses for walls, ceilings, and special needs or code rules.
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
