Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, chances are you’ve had to do some drywall work at some point. And if you have, then you know that having the right tools for the job makes it so much easier.
In this article, we’ll discuss what drywall skimming blades are, how they are used, and the different types available on the market. Let’s dive in!
What are drywall skimming blades?
A drywall skimming blade is a handheld tool that is used to smooth out the surface of joint compound that has been applied to walls and ceilings.
Skimming blades come in a variety of sizes, from 7″ to 48″. The 7″-16″ skimming blades are great for when wiping and feathering tape.
The larger skimming blades are great for when skim coating and a common size that is used is either 24″ or 32″.
They can also be used with extension handles which is practical when you’re skim-coating ceilings. I wouldn’t go larger than 32″ skimming blades when using a handle since they can get a bit unwieldy which will affect the quality of your work.
The blades can be replaced when needed if they have been damaged or worn out. They have rounded edges that drywall knives (taping knives, joint knives) normally don’t have which help to avoid getting ridges when skim coating.
How are drywall skimming blades used?
They are used the same way as you would use a drywall knife, except that you use both your hands to hold the blade instead of just one.
Hold it with both your hands and after you have applied the mud then start from a corner and make long sweeping motions with the drywall skimming blade.
You want to make sure that you don’t apply too much pressure since that can cause the blade to dig into the mud.
Check out the videos down below for a demonstration of how to use drywall skimming blades.
How do you apply drywall mud?
You can either roll on the mud or apply it with a taping/joint knife and a mud pan. The mud can also be sprayed on if you have access to that kind of equipment.
The most effective way to apply the mud is with a spray rig and if you have a lot of drywall to skim coat then you should look into if you can rent one. Otherwise, I recommend rolling on the joint compound.
You can use a roller cover with a thick nap such as ½-inch or ¾-inch to apply the mud. I recommend using a 9-inch roller frame/cover for this since it gets heavy with the mud on and you’re going to want to avoid fatigue.
If you’re just going to skim-coat a wall or two then just use a knife and a pan.
FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions about the topic.
What is a skim coat?
A skim coat is a thin layer of joint compound, that is applied over a wall or ceiling surface in order to create an even, smooth surface.
Skim coating is sometimes necessary after repairing cracks or damage to the surface, as well as before painting or wallpapering.
Do you have to sand after skim coat?
If you’re going to paint your surface with a paint with gloss such as satin,semi-gloss or gloss, then I recommend sanding the surface since the slightest imperfections will show up with those types of paint.
If the walls are going to be wallpapered then you don’t necessarily have to sand, but I would recommend it if the surface is not completely smooth.
I have personally always sanded after applying a skim coat, regardless of what type of finish I was going to use since this will give you the best results.
What are the different drywall levels?
A group of four industry trade associations has agreed on a set of standards for the level of finish on gypsum boards. This will help make sure that all finishing meet a certain level of quality.
The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries-International (AWCI), Ceilings and Interior Systems Construction Association (CISCA), Gypsum Association (GA) and Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) worked together to create these 6 levels of finish on gypsum board.
- Level 0: Unfinished. No taping, finishing or corner beads are required.
- Level 1: All joints and interior angles have tape embedded in joint compound. Tape and fastener heads don’t need to be covered with joint compound. The surface should be free of excess joint compound. Tool marks and ridges are acceptable
- Level 2: All joints and interior angles has tape embedded in joint compound and should be immediately wiped with a joint knife or trowel, leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories should be covered with a coat of joint compound. The surface should be free of excess joint compound. Tool marks and ridges are acceptable.
- Level 3: All joints and interior angles should have tape embedded in joint compound and should be immediately wiped with a joint knife or trowel, leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. One additional coat of joint compound should be applied over all joints and interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories should be covered with two separate coats of joint compound. All joint compounds should be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. The prepared surface should be covered with a drywall primer prior to the application of the final decoration.
- Level 4: All joints and interior angles should have tape embedded in joint compound and be immediately wiped with a joint knife or trowel, leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. In addition, two separate coats of joint compound should be applied over all flat joints and one separate coat of joint compound applied over interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories need to be covered with three separate coats of joint compound. All joint compounds need to be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. The prepared surface should be covered with a drywall primer prior to the application of the final decoration.
- Level 5: The highest quality finish is the most effective method to provide a uniform surface and gives the best result. In addition to the steps for level 4, a thin skim coat of joint compound needs to be applied to the entire surface. Excess compound is immediately sheared off, leaving a film or skim coating of compound completely covering the paper. As an alternative to a skim coat, a material manufactured especially for this purpose, such as lining paper, may be applied. The surface must be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges, this is where the skimming blade comes in. The prepared surface shall be covered with a drywall primer prior to the application of the final decoration.
For more in-depth information, see this document from which this information has been taken.
Related Videos
Introduction to skimming blades
How to use skimming blades
Conclusion
Drywall skimming blades are excellent tools when you have a lot of skim coating to do. They make the job go much faster and leave a perfectly smooth finish.
Leave a Reply