What Drywall To Use In Kitchen
When you’re a homeowner, you quickly learn to make saving money wherever you can a priority. Investing in a drywall repair kit and taking out just a little time to learn how to fix dents and holes in your drywall will save you a ton of money when it comes to hiring someone to fix your walls.
Whole drywall installation is an important DIY skill, and it requires some knowledge of the types of drywall to ensure that you use the right one in specific parts of your house. Here’s a little help for you to pick and figure out how to correctly use a drywall installation kit.
Types of Drywall
1. Standard
This kind of drywall is made by pressing a layer of powdered gypsum between sheets of heavy paper. This creates a smooth and sturdy surface that can be installed super easily.
2. Fire-resistant or type-X
This type of drywall may not be entirely impervious to fire but is a lot more resistant to flames than other types of drywall. It is manufactured of glass fiber (among other materials), which makes it great for use not only in the kitchen but in other places that are prone to high levels of heat like the laundry room or the garage as well.
3. Mold- and moisture-resistant
This drywall can either be paperless or paper-faced. It is coated with a special material that prevents the accumulation of moisture and mold on it, which makes it a great choice for humid places like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.
4. Backer board
This isn’t exactly drywall but can be used similarly. It is also known as cement board because it’s made of a layer of concrete with fiberglass mesh. Its moisture resistance makes it great for humid areas like the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. It is typically installed under tiling, but may also be used under counters and floors.
The Basics of Using a Drywall Repair Kit
You’re going to start off by sanding and cleaning the hole you’re going to be fixing by using either a drywall knife or a utility knife. Next, place an adhesive patch mesh tape over the hole to complete the patching of the surface. Use a putty knife to apply the compound over the patch and apply as many layers as needed. Sand the surface until smooth by using either sandpaper or a sanding sponge. Finally, paint the area to match the rest of the wall and you’re good to go!
Things To Look For in a Drywall Repair Kit
How long is the drying time?
This is probably one of the most important things to consider when buying a drywall repair kit. While some products have a drying time of over 24 hours, otherwise will dry up in just over 30 minutes. Consider the urgency of the repair you’re going to be making before buying one of these kits.
What is the repair size?
Different kits offer different patch sizes and forms, which is why you need to think about the repair size before stepping into the market. Ideally, you should go for one that comes with a spackling compound for repairing larger holes and other damages.
Will it shrink and expand?
You need to make sure that your product doesn’t crack because of shrinkage or expansion due to temperature changes. You should first check the packaging of the product to confirm its quality, then buy.
Is it sandable and paintable?
A decent drywall repair kit will make your wall look as good as new by the end of the repair. In order to achieve that look, you need to sand and paint the patch. One that isn’t sandable or paintable will be pretty much useless.