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It is more difficult to drywall a ceiling than it is to drywall a wall, but not so hard that DIYers can’t tackle it. One of the main issues with hanging drywall on your ceiling is getting it into place. Drywall isn’t light so, if you are hanging full drywall panels, you will need at least two (it’s better with more) people to hold the panel while you drill it into the ceiling as a single piece can weigh between 40 and 60 pounds and will need to be held in place for up to 10 minutes.

While it’s most common to sand plaster dry, it is possible to wet-sand plaster, too. Doing so can reduce the amount of plaster dust released into the air and make it easier to work in smaller, more delicate areas (such as around wall trim). However, some people find that wet sanding leads to more imperfections, which is why larger walls are more often dry sanded to ensure an even finish.

There are several things you should not do when installing drywall. Common mistakes include: adding too many screws, over-sanding, not adding backing support, and installing drywall unevenly. You also should avoid screwing into the same place twice, installing Sheetrock with tapered edges on the outside, and making too many joints.

There are six levels of drywall finish, from 0 to 5, that refer to the amount of work performed during the finishing process.

Level 0: Drywall is hung with no finishing work.

Level 1: Tape is placed over the seams between drywall sheets.

Level 2: A thin layer of mud is applied over the tape and screw holes. This level is common for utility rooms or walls that will be covered.

Level 3: A full coat of mud covers the screw holes and tape, but the surface is not sanded. This is often used in garages.

Level 4: This is the most common finish for visible interior walls. It involves applying two coats of mud over seams and screw holes, with sanding between each coat, creating a smooth surface ready for flat paint.

Level 5: This is a high-end finish for luxury homes. It includes full taping, mudding, and sanding, plus a final skim coat over the entire surface before painting.