Finishing Supplies Ontario

Every construction and renovation project requires expert finishing to achieve a professional look. Choosing the highest quality finishing supplies ensures your projects are flawless, durable, and resistant to damage, providing long-lasting results. 

At Yvon Building Supply, we offer high-quality finishing supplies to both homeowners and contractors, including the essential drywall joint compound needed to complete home renovation and building projects. 

Our team is here to help you find the right finishing products for your job, ensuring your hard work and skills are reflected in the final details of your projects. With several locations across Ontario, you can rely on us as your drywall finishing supplies expert.

Understanding Finishing & Drywall Finishing

Drywall finishing materials are used to create a smooth, even surface using a variety of drywall finishing accessories. The number of coats is determined by the type of job, rated from Level 0 to 5. Levels 0 and 1 don’t require a coat. The required coats increase at each level, starting with one coat for Level 2 and ending with three coats for Level 4. At Level 5, there are four coats plus a skim coat.

The typical finishing process follows these four steps:

Step 1: Taping the Drywall Joints

Drywall tape covers visible seams and gaps between drywall sheets. Paper tape is typically used for drywall installation and also comes in pre-creased tape for corners. Mesh tape is less flexible and is better suited for drywall repairs.

Step 2: Applying Joint Compound

Joint compound, or “mud,” is applied with a drywall “knife”. It’s best to apply more mud than needed and use the knife to remove the excess as you smooth it. You may require more than one coat, and you should always allow each coat to dry completely before lightly sanding and applying the next coat.

Step 3: Sanding the Surface

Once the compound dries, you can sand the mud to achieve a smooth, even finish. Start with semi-coarse 100 to 120 grit sandpaper to remove thicker streaks, and then finish with 150 grit to perfect the surface. Wear a mask, and for large jobs, consider sealing off doorways with plastic to prevent dust from spreading throughout the home.

Step 4: Texturing the Drywall (Optional)

If you want to add depth and interest or hide imperfections, textured drywall creates a purposeful design. Tools that help achieve popular finishes include a notched trowel for a crosshatched or ridged texture, a stomp brush and putty knife for a knockdown texture, or a drywall sprayer for an orange peel look.

Joint Compound for Finishing

Joint compounds come in different types, each with its own purpose. It’s important to choose the right drywall compound for the job to ensure you achieve the desired results. Each compound type has a different composition, meaning they aren’t necessarily interchangeable. Choosing the wrong compound can lead to issues such as poor adhesion, quick-drying, or bubbling.

Lightweight Joint Compound

Lightweight joint compound is ideal for quick DIY repairs, as it lacks the adhesion required for drywall taping jobs. It is easy to apply, won’t shrink, and dries fast for quick sanding and touch-up painting to hide imperfections.

All-Purpose Joint Compound

This versatile joint compound is suitable for various phases of drywall finishing, including taping, coating, and finishing seams. It’s a handy, all-in-one product and can even be used for hand-applied textured designs. All-Purpose Joint Compound is commonly used for taping, as it has strong adhesive properties that other joint compounds lack.

Quick-Set Joint Compound

Also known as “hot mud,” this fast-drying compound is great when time is limited, and your skill level is high. However, it is not the best choice for first-time DIYers. The fast-setting compound requires you to work quickly and achieve a smooth finish with your knife to avoid thick ridges that are difficult to sand.

Topping Joint Compound

Topping joint compound is designed for final coats and achieving a smooth finish. It lacks adhesives, so it can’t be used for taping jobs; instead, it’s best applied over base coats to help achieve that flawless appearance.

Choosing the Right Supplies: Factors to Consider

Choosing the right supplies at your drywall materials store depends on the job scale, type, desired finish, and skill level. Scale is important because it dictates the quantities required, and the best materials based on how quickly the compound might set as you work. 

For example, you would choose a lightweight joint compound for small repairs because you don’t require adhesive strength but would run into issues if you tried to use the same compound when installing drywall tape. 

Compatibility is crucial because not all compounds have the adhesive strength to adhere tape to drywall, including topping joints and lightweight compounds. Your skill level also impacts your supplies. 

If this is your first drywall project, a quick-set joint compound may lead to frustration as it could dry while you perfect your application technique. In this case, a multi-purpose compound is best. It’s always wise to consult the experts at Yvon to ensure you make the right choices for your drywall finishing materials.

Discover Top Finishing Materials from Yvon Building Supply

The experts at Yvon Building Supply can help you make the right choices for your drywall projects. Visit one of our locations, fill up your cart with finishing materials online and call for a quote, or click here to speak to one of our dedicated customer service representatives.