Cutting Sheetrock

• 1). Measure the wall to determine the size of any Sheetrock cuts that need to be made. Mark the desired cut on the Sheetrock with a pencil, using a chalk line or straight edge.
  
  
• 2). Cut through the paper surface of the Sheetrock with a utility knife, along the chalk line.
  
  
• 3). Set the Sheetrock on its side; stand on the side that is not marked and cut. Break the Sheetrock by snapping the ends toward you and pressing your body or knee against the break.
  
  
• 4). Cut through the paper backing on your side of the sheet with a utility knife, cutting along the break.
  
  
• 5). Measure the size and location of any electrical outlets or light fixtures. Mark these fixture locations on the Sheetrock. Cut out holes for these fixtures, slightly larger than the fixtures, with a utility knife or drywall saw.
  
  

Hanging Sheetrock

• 1). Measure where the first sheet will be applied, beginning from a corner. Cut the Sheetrock, if necessary, so that an edge will terminate in the middle of a wall stud or ceiling joist.
  
  
• 2). Hold the Sheetrock in place with the help of an assistant. Fasten with Sheetrock nails or screws to the studs or joists, so that the surface of the fastener is slightly below the surface of the board. The fastener should not break the board, but only dimple its surface.
  
  
• 3). Continue measuring, cutting, hanging, and fastening Sheetrock until the entire surface is covered, leaving gaps no greater than 1/4 inch if possible.
  
  

Plastering Sheetrock

• 1). Apply plaster joint compound, by pressing it into all the joints between sheets with a putty knife held at a 25-degree angle to the wall. Scrape excess plaster off.
  
  
• 2). Press drywall tape over all joints, working slowly from one edge of a joint to the other. Cut excess tape at the end of each joint with a utility knife. Apply a thin surface of plaster over all tape, using a putty knife held at a 25-degree angle. Scrape excess plaster off.
  
  
• 3). Cover all screw or nail holes with plaster.
  
  
• 4). Allow to dry overnight.
  
  
• 5). Sand all dry plaster with a sanding block. Clean dust from the ceiling, walls, and floor with a broom, mop and damp rags.
  
  
• 6). Repeat applying plaster joint compound to all surfaces. Dry overnight. Clean the room.
  
  
• 7). Repeat sanding, applying plaster, drying and cleaning until all surfaces are perfectly smooth.