Finishing drywall might look simple. But it’s easy to make mistakes. A smooth wall takes care and patience. Here are common mistakes beginners make and how you can avoid them. I’ll keep it simple and short.
1. Using Too Much Mud
Many beginners put on thick layers of joint compound. They think more is better. It’s not. Thick mud takes longer to dry. It also needs a lot more sanding. You might even damage the paper tape or the wall surface.
Tip: Apply thin coats. Spread mud evenly. Let each coat dry before the next.
2. Sanding Too Hard
Sanding makes the surface smooth. But sanding too hard can break the tape or drywall paper. This creates weak spots. You may have to repair them again.
Tip: Sand gently. Use a soft sanding block. A damp sponge works well for final smoothing and makes less dust.
3. Driving Screws Too Deep or Too Far Apart
If screws are too deep, they break the drywall’s paper face. This weakens the hold. If screws are too far apart, the board becomes loose.
Tip: Drive screws just below the surface, not too deep. Place them about every 6–8 inches on edges and 12 inches in the middle.
4. Placing Boards Too Tight or Lining Up Joints
If boards meet too tightly, there’s no space for movement. This can cause cracks. Lining up joints in a straight line also weakens the wall.
Tip: Leave a small gap between boards, about 1/8 inch. Stagger the seams so they don’t all line up.
5. Leaving Air Bubbles Under Tape
Air under tape makes bubbles. These show up after painting and ruin the smooth look.
Tip: Press tape down well. Smooth out air bubbles as you go. If bubbles appear after drying, cut them out and patch again.
6. Rushing the Drying Time
If you don’t let mud dry fully before the next coat, it can crack or peel.
Tip: Wait for each coat to dry completely. Be patient. Use fans to help, but don’t rush.
7. Skipping Primer Before Painting
Joint compound soaks up paint. If you skip primer, the paint will look uneven.
Tip: After final sanding, remove all dust. Apply primer to seal the surface. Then paint.
8. Not Checking the Surface with a Light
Some bumps and dents are hard to see in normal light.
Tip: Hold a light close to the wall at an angle. This shows any flaws. Fix them before painting.
9. Using the Same Compound for All Coats
Some compounds dry fast but are hard to sand. Others sand easily but dry slower.
Tip: Use a fast-drying compound for the first coat. Use a lighter, easy-sand compound for the last coats.
10. Expecting Perfection the First Time
Drywall finishing is a skill. You won’t get it perfect right away. Even experienced people keep learning.
Tip: Be patient. Practice. Focus on making each coat smoother than the last.
Quick Table of Mistakes and Fixes
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | How to Fix It |
| Too much mud | Hard to sand, messy finish | Thin, even coats |
| Sanding too hard | Damages surface | Sand lightly |
| Screws too deep or spaced | Weak hold, loose board | Proper depth and spacing |
| Tight or lined joints | Cracks later | Leave gap, stagger seams |
| Air bubbles under tape | Flaws in finish | Press tape, remove bubbles |
| Rushing dry time | Cracks, peeling | Let each coat dry fully |
| Skipping primer | Uneven paint | Always prime before painting |
| Not using a light | Hidden flaws | Check with angled light |
| Same compound for all | Hard sanding or slow drying | Use right compound for each coat |
| Expecting perfection | Frustration | Practice and improve over time |
Final Thoughts
Finishing drywall takes time and patience. Avoiding these mistakes will save you trouble later. If you want to learn the full step-by-step method, check out the how to finish drywall process guide.
With practice, you’ll get smoother, cleaner walls every time. Mistakes are normal—but now you know how to stop them before they happen.