Lesson 1Tapes, beads, and reinforcement: paper tape vs fiberglass mesh, metal and vinyl corner beads, flexible trim for revealsCovers tapes, beads, and strengthening items that guard joints and corners. Learners compare paper and fibreglass mesh tape, choose metal or vinyl beads, and apply flexible trims to create neat reveals and strong, crack-proof edges suitable for Zambian conditions.
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 output and quality in drywall tasks. Learners will spot proper use of lifts, screw guns, taping knives, hawks, pans, mixers, and pole sanders, plus setup, tweaks, and safe handling for Zambian sites.
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 work. Learners will select NIOSH-rated respirators, eye and ear guards, gloves, helmets, and knee pads, and arrange safe access and cleaning in Zambian work settings.
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 optionsLooks at joint compounds and extras for taping, filling, and finishing. Learners compare setting-type and ready-mix items, pick all-purpose or topping mud, and use primers and bonding coats to boost sticking and lasting power in local climates.
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 support systems that hold drywall firm. Learners compare screw threads, nails, and building glues, and use backing clips and blocks to support joints, corners, and ceiling joins in sturdy Zambian builds.
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. Learners will choose screws, washers, sealants, mesh patches, masking tape, and drop sheets, and plan amounts to cut waste and keep jobsite running smoothly in Zambia.
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 enhance accuracy and safety. Learners will use knives, marking tools, ladders, scaffolds, HEPA vacuums, and air machines to keep areas clean, exact, and up to code in Zambian constructions.
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 supplies that ready surfaces for paint or texture. Learners will pick sanding materials, use mixing tools right, and select PVA primers, drywall primers, and fillers for various bases in local Zambian applications.
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 usual drywall board types, core features, and standard sizes. Learners will match regular, damp-proof, and fire-rated boards to spots, and pick right thicknesses for walls, ceilings, and special needs under Zambian codes.
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
