Split image of Today's Homeowner TV host Danny Lipford and drywall installer Mark Rutherford
In this episode of “Ask Danny,” drywall pro Mark Rutherford shares his tips and approaches. (3 Echoes Information Studio)


In Episode 4 of “Ask Danny,” I’m speaking with my longtime close friend and drywall expert Mark Rutherford — “The Drywall Guru.” 


Danny Lipford and Mark Rutherford in the game room addition episode of Today's Homeowner TV
Mark Rutherford installs drywall in a typical episode of Today’s House owner Television set. (3 Echoes Written content Studio)

About Mark Rutherford

Mark Rutherford has worked with drywall on new development and remodeling assignments for 40 years. 

I to start with achieved Mark in 2007 while performing on a recreation space addition for an episode of Today’s Property owner Tv set. 

He at the moment lives in southwest Pennsylvania. 


Drilling a screw into drywall to repair a nail pop
To reduce a drywall nail pop from reappearing, switch the nail with a screw. (3 Echoes Material Studio)

Drywall Nail Pops

Why does a nail pop occur, and what is the very best way to right it?

Mark: Nail pops take place when a nail or screw comes unfastened underneath drywall and makes a bulge or “pop” in the wall.

They normally happen with new construction in just the initially yr. Which is since everything is drying out and settling — the household is actually “finding itself.” I usually say it is form of like a residing particular person. 

Nail pops are typical all-around stairways since the regular stepping movement loosens up the nails.

To repair a nail pop, first tap it with a hammer. If it feels spongy, that usually means the installer missed the stud. Pull it out, and push a drywall screw into the stud or joist near the hole, with the head of the screw just under the surface. 

If you simply cannot extract the unfastened nail, faucet in a different drywall nail correct beside it so the head of that nail catches the present nail. This keeps the nail from popping back out again. 

If a screw is leading to the pop, use a screwdriver to travel it in deep so it is flush with the wall’s floor. 

When the nail or screw is beneath the drywall surface area, use the back again of a drywall knife to flush the drywall paper with the surface, and then cover it with a coat of drywall mud. 

Permit the mud dry for 24 several hours, then implement yet another coat. Immediately after the 2nd coat dries, sand it and use a shop vac as you work to suck up any dust.

Tip: Keep your nail pop repair service region as compact as probable — the much less mud you use, the significantly less sanding you’ll have to have to do.


A water damaged ceiling with drywall puckering and rippling
Water damage is the most common induce of drywall puckering. (spyarm, Getty Photographs)

Drywall Puckering

How do you fix drywall puckering?

Mark: H2o destruction is the most popular result in of drywall pucker, but inappropriate set up can also lead to it. In some scenarios, the installer didn’t leave more than enough mud remaining driving or did not use any in that location. 

For main drywall puckering, eliminate the tape to patch and fix. Lay down mesh tape and apply a refreshing coat of drywall mud.

For slight puckering, use the corner of a drywall knife to elevate the free tape and implement a skinny layer of all-purpose mud under the tape. Smooth the tape out and set a light-weight coat of drywall mud above the edge of the tape. 

For popcorn ceilings, use the very same method, but be extra very careful to not injury the texture. 

If it’s a important crack or older ceiling, the popcorn ceiling texture will occur off. In that scenario, you’ll require to apply a coat of sprayed acoustic texture. 

You can acquire this content in a can, but it can be tricky to implement. Stick to the instructions and practice on a piece of cardboard initial. 

If you just cannot match the texture, phone a specialist.


Today's Homeowner TV host Danny Lipford uses a dustless sander on drywall
Make less of a mess when sanding drywall by employing a dustless sander. (3 Echoes Material Studio)

Controlling Dust

What are some guidelines to decrease dust when sanding drywall?

Mark: To limit the mess even though sanding drywall, I generally produce an oxygen tent. 

Working with 2-inch huge masking tape,  I encase the location with plastic. I start off taping at the ceiling, then bring it down the wall and to the ground. Every little
thing is connected. 

Then, I develop a doorway underneath to crawl into. The moment I’m completed sanding, I allow the dust settle, dust myself off and crawl out the door.

Generally flip off your HVAC procedure when sanding drywall. When the vents occur on, the plastic and dust will blow around, and the dust will operate its way into your method. 

Previous but not least, usually wear a fantastic mask while you’re sanding. 


Stacks of drywall sheets
Recycling is great when you want to go eco-friendly, but working with located drywall is never a superior strategy. (tanyss, Getty Photos)

A Drywall Disaster

Some positions you really don’t have to think twice about turning down. 

Just one time, a builder approached Mark at a job web-site and questioned him to look at one more household in the subdivision.

No big deal, suitable? Well, improper. The total household was hung with pieces of scrap drywall. Turns out, the owners experienced been gathering the drywall from the dumpsters in the subdivision to make the home. It didn’t issue if the drywall was a corner piece or angled, or even soaked and ruined. 

“When I walked into that residence, it appeared like a 2,000-piece jigsaw puzzle,” Mark explained. 

The most significant piece of drywall in the house was almost certainly about 2×4 feet, and in some spots, there had been gaps as significant as an inch huge in spots. 

“That was a significant no from me,” Mark said.


Fresh drywall on a house interior
With a small tolerance, you can set up drywall just as nicely as a professional. (Spinkle, Getty Photos Signature)

Mark’s Drywall Suggestions

  • If you are performing in close proximity to cabinets or baseboards, set tape/plastic down to protect individuals spots.
  • Make guaranteed you are working with the proper drywall mud. Go with a eco-friendly lid or black lid bucket. Use an all-purpose mud and examine the bucket. A single sort of mud may be excellent for coating but not for taping.
  • Be affected person and function in phases. Permit the mud dry then insert supplemental coats.
  • If you’re considering about transforming your household, consider hanging the drywall by yourself. You do not know what you cannot do right until you test.

Further Looking at


Question a Problem! (Podcast)

Ask a problem and we could remedy it on the “Today’s Home-owner Podcast!” We also may possibly use it on our nationally syndicated radio broadcast or on todayshomeowner.com.