Drywall

Drywall is the flat, smooth paneling that forms most interior walls and ceilings in modern homes. Whether you're patching a hole, finishing a basement, or dealing with water damage, working with drywall requires the right tools and technique for seamless results. From installation to texture matching, Angi helps you find local pros and practical guidance to keep your walls looking their best.
Drywall Service Articles and Advice
Haley Nothstein  •  Aug 5, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Drywall a Garage? [2026 Data]
The cost to drywall a garage depends on the size, materials, labor, and more. This guide will help you budget for installing drywall in your garage.
Mitchell Grant  •  Aug 4, 2026
How to Use Drywall Anchors to Hang and Mount Objects on a Wall
Knowing how to use drywall anchors is your best option when you need to hang a heavy item. Read on to learn which types you need to use for which application.
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Aug 4, 2026
Spackle vs. Putty: What’s the Difference?
To fix holes in your drywall, you can use spackle or putty, but one may be better for certain jobs than others. Let’s take a look at the differences.
Lauren Bongard  •  Aug 4, 2026
What Causes Drywall to Crack and How to Fix It
Wondering what causes drywall to crack? Here are nine common reasons for drywall cracks and how to diagnose the problem and fix ugly drywall cracking.
Barbara Bellesi Zito  •  Aug 4, 2026
5 Reasons Joint Compound Is Not Sticking to Drywall
From incorrect mixing to poor weather conditions, there are a few reasons for joint compound not sticking to drywall. Learn how to avoid this drywall problem.
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Aug 4, 2026
Everything You Need to Know About Drywall Thickness and Size Options
Local building codes have strict requirements when it comes to drywall thickness. Use this guide to help you choose the right drywall size for your project.
Jenna Jonaitis  •  Aug 4, 2026
Paper vs. Mesh Drywall Tape: A Complete Comparison
You're down to the nitty-gritty of drywall supplies and now you need to know if paper vs mesh drywall tape is the way to go. Here's how to choose.
Staci Parks  •  Aug 4, 2026
What’s the Difference Between Greenboard and Drywall?​
Which drywall you use will depend on the location of where it will be installed. Knowing when to use greenboard vs drywall will ensure your home withstands the test of time.
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Common Drywall Service Questions

Yes, a fan can help drywall mud dry faster by improving air circulation and reducing humidity in the room. Drywall mud dries through evaporation, so increasing airflow speeds up this process. However, you should position the fan to blow across the room rather than directly on the wet mud. This helps prevent drying too quickly, which can cause cracking. You should also use a dehumidifier if high humidity is an issue.

You can put drywall mud over paint to even out the surface or entirely resurface it. Sand the surface with 280-grit sandpaper, vacuum the debris and dust with a shop vac, and clean it with a slightly damp cloth. Allow the surface to dry. Apply drywall primer, especially if you’re skim-coating an entire wall. Apply the right type of drywall mud over the surface and smooth it with a trowel. Allow the layer to cure fully, then sand it before applying another layer or painting it.

When sanding drywall mud, you’re going to create a very fine dust that may contain silica. Silica dust contains crystalline silica, which can cause long-term illnesses for people who inhale it in significant quantities. Wear a mask while sanding drywall. Then dampen a drywall sponge to wipe the dust off the drywall, helping to reduce the amount of dust that may become airborne.

You can paint over water-damaged drywall as long as it’s dry and there’s no active leak. However, painting over the area will not solve deeper problems like mold or water leaks. 

If you’re 100% positive that these two issues aren’t a concern, paint over the area with a water—or oil-based primer. This type of paint will ensure that it doesn’t simply seep into the spot.

You should start looking for a drywall installer by choosing a local company with positive online reviews and ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Next, confirm that the professional is properly licensed using Angi’s contractor licensing tool, and ask the installer if they are fully insured. It’s a good idea to ask for recent customer references and call them to get their honest opinion about the contractor and their work. You can also ask the installer if they guarantee their work or provide a workmanship warranty.