Look behind every good paint job in Massachusetts, and you'll find excellent drywall preparation. While many people think that painting is all about just rolling and brushing a new coat on, the experts at Deluxe MP understand that drywall and plaster are the linchpins of all quality paint jobs.

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Try painting on damaged drywall and you'll quickly see why our plaster services are in such high demand. Even the highest quality paints will crack and peel, costing you more money without delivering the final look that you want. An MP Painting drywall specialist will fill holes, cover stress fractures, and make sure your ceiling is in the right condition to be painted. When needed, we can also perform larger drywall and plaster services in Massachusetts. New installations and repairing water damage are common requests, as well as crown molding and texture additions or removals. Whatever your specific case is, our drywall and plaster technicians will be able to get the job done.

For Installing New Drywall:

• Drywall Sheets (Plasterboard, Wallboard): These come in various sizes (typically 4x8 feet, but also longer) and thicknesses (usually 1/2 inch for walls, 3/8 inch for curved surfaces or layering, and 5/8 inch for fire-rated applications or ceilings with wider joist spacing). Choose the appropriate type (regular, moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, etc.) based on the room and building codes. You can purchase these at building supply stores in Weymouth.   

• Drywall Screws: Specifically designed screws with bugle heads that won't tear the paper facing. The length depends on the thickness of the drywall and the framing material.   

• Drywall Saw or Utility Knife: For cutting drywall sheets to the required size and shape. A T-square or drywall square is helpful for making straight cuts.   

• Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.

• Pencil or Marker: For marking cut lines on the drywall.

• Screw Gun or Drill with Screw Bit: For efficiently driving drywall screws into the framing studs.   

• Stud Finder: To locate the wooden or metal framing studs behind the existing walls to attach the new drywall securely.   

• Joint Compound (Mud): Used to fill screw holes and seams between drywall sheets. It comes in different types (all-purpose, lightweight, setting-type).   

• Paper or Mesh Joint Tape: Used to reinforce the seams between drywall sheets and prevent cracking. Paper tape requires embedding in the first coat of compound, while mesh tape is self-adhesive.   

• Taping Knives (Various Sizes): For applying and smoothing joint compound. Common sizes include 4-inch, 6-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch.

• Mud Pan: To hold the joint compound while you're working.   

• Sanding Block or Pole Sander with Sandpaper: For smoothing out dried joint compound to create a seamless surface. Different grits of sandpaper are used (coarse to fine).   

• Dust Mask and Eye Protection: To protect yourself from drywall dust during cutting and sanding.   

For Repairing Drywall:

• Small Holes (Nail holes, picture hangers): Joint compound, a putty knife, and possibly a sanding sponge.

• Medium Holes (Fist-sized): A drywall patch kit (often includes a self-adhesive mesh patch), joint compound, taping knives, and sandpaper.   

• Large Holes (Larger than a fist): A piece of replacement drywall, drywall screws, possibly some wood or metal backing to support the new piece, joint compound, joint tape, taping knives, and sandpaper.

• Cracks: Joint compound, paper or mesh tape (for larger or recurring cracks), taping knives, and sandpaper.

For Finishing Drywall (Preparing for Paint):

• Joint Compound (as mentioned above)

• Joint Tape (as mentioned above)

• Taping Knives (as mentioned above)

• Sanding Block or Pole Sander with Sandpaper (various grits)

• Primer: A paint primer specifically designed for drywall to seal the surface, improve paint adhesion, and ensure a uniform finish.   

• Clean Rags or Sponges: For wiping down dusty surfaces before priming and painting.

You can find all of these materials at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe's, as well as dedicated building supply stores in the Weymouth area. When purchasing, be sure to ask for advice if you're unsure about the specific types or quantities you need for your project.

Sources and related content 

For impeccable plaster and drywall work in Massachusetts to make your new paint job look its absolute best, get an estimate from Deluxe MP Painting today.