Process
How we hang, finish, and hand off paint-ready walls
A straight sequence. Materials that match the wall. Dust habits that belong in a house people still live in.
Materials we actually use
Board is ASTM C1396 gypsum. Thickness and type follow the assembly, not a habit.
ASTM C1396 gypsum board
Standard residential rock in 1/2" and 5/8", plus Type X where fire-separation needs it.
Moisture-resistant board
Wet walls and specified basement locations — not a waterproofing system.
Lightweight board
Where it belongs: ceilings and long carries, not as a substitute for Type X.
Bead, tape, and compound
Paper or mesh where the joint calls for it, setting-type mud when the schedule or moisture needs it.
The residential workflow
01
Pre-hang check
We walk framing, moisture, electrical boxes, and HVAC boots before board goes up. Problems found here are cheap. Problems found after mud are not.
02
Hang
ASTM C1396 gypsum board — 1/2", 5/8", Type X, moisture-resistant, or lightweight — chosen for the wall, not whatever is on the truck. Fastener pattern and joints planned, not improvised.
03
Corner bead
Outside corners and returns get bead that will survive real life, set straight so the coats have a line to follow.
04
Tape & coat
Joints and angles taped, then coated to the specified finish level. Dry time is not optional. Humidity decides the calendar more than we do.
05
Sand / texture
Sand to the level, then texture if the room calls for it. Level 5 gets a full skim before this step, not a heavier sand.
06
Punch
We hunt fastener pops, holidays, and bad beads with raking light — the same way a picky painter will.
07
Paint-ready handoff
You get walls and ceilings ready for primer and paint. Paint is not included unless we wrote it into the bid. The handoff is a walkthrough, not a text that says “done.”
Dust control in occupied homes
We contain the work, prefer HEPA vacuuming at the sander and the cut-out, and clean as we go. You should be able to cook dinner in the rest of the house. Zero dust is a sales line. Controlled dust is a habit.
On new construction we still treat the house like someone is about to move in: sweep, stack scrap, and leave floors ready for the next trade.
What’s included vs. paint
Included unless the bid says otherwise
- Hang, bead, tape, and coat to the specified GA-214 level
- Sand or texture as specified
- Punch under raking light
- Paint-ready handoff walkthrough
Not included unless we write it in
- Primer and paint
- Mold remediation or waterproofing
- Full fire-stopping of every penetration
- Framing, insulation, or electrical
Want this sequence on your job?
We will walk the house, name the finish level, and put dry time on the calendar.