Convex or concave surfaces:1/4-in. drywall is flexible enough to bend around both concave and convex surfaces.
Drywall can be formed to fit almost anycurved surface, whether convex or concave. The first curved surface I ever tried to drywall was a convex wall with a very short radius. At that time, the only advice I’d been given was toweta regular 1/2-in. drywall panel and allow it to sit for a while before hanging it. Given my lack of experience, it’s not surprising that I didn’t have much luck with this job. I ended up having to cut the drywall, which I had wet on both sides, into narrow strips in order to get it to bend around the studs. After the narrow strips dried, I had to tape each seam and then skim-coat the entire surface.
Looking back, I realize what I did wrong. First, the wall was much too tightly curved to bend a 1/2-in. drywall panel around it. Second, I should not have wet both sides of the panel. Third, the studs were spaced too far apart for such a tight curve. If you are planning to attach drywall to a curved surface, here are a few important points to bear in mind:
To avoid creating flat areas between studs, theframingshould be closer together on curved walls than on straight walls. Maximum stud spacing is 9 in. o.c. for most curves; for really short radii, a maximum of 6 in. o.c. is recommended (see the chart below). Hopefully, the builder has not built an inside curve that has a radius less than 20 in. or an outside curve with one less than 15 in. Hanging these radii would be very difficult even with wet 1/4-in. flexible drywall.
Use 1/4-in. flexible drywall on short-radius curves for both inside (concave) and outside (convex) curves. The drywall can be attached either parallel or perpendicular to the framing. Place the screws a maximum of 12 in. o.c. Two layers of 1/4-in. drywall are usually necessary for strength and to blend in with the 1/2-in. drywall used on straight sections of the wall. Apply one layer at a time, staggering the joints. If possible, avoid end joints butted on the curved surface of the wall.
Bend it slowly:When fastening drywall to a concave surface, gently and slowing push it into place. Begin fastening at the center and work toward each edge. For tighter bends, you may have to fasten starting at the edge to prevent cracking.
Two ways to hang:当attached to a tight curve, drywall can be positioned either horizontally.
Two ways to hang:Or vertically. I prefer vertically.
Use two thin layers:当attaching drywall to a barrel ceiling, stagger the joints between layers. Here, multiple layers of 1/4-in. drywall are being attached with the curve to avoid butted seams.
与半径的曲线(少于32。),dampen the drywall so it can conform to the tight curve without breaking. Using a garden sprayer, a sponge, or a paint roller, apply water to the side that will be compressed around the curve (i.e., the back of the panel on convex curves). For a 1/4-in., 4×8 panel, use about 30 oz. of water (35 oz. for a 3/8-in. panel, 45 oz. for a 1/2-in. panel). Stack the panels with the wet surfaces facing each other and let them sit for at least one hour before you attach them. Covering the panels with plastic prevents the edges from drying out. When the panels dry, they will return to their original hardness.
WORK SMART:Drywall is more flexible along its length. However, it’s a good idea to hang it perpendicular to the framing, because it is easier to conceal the joints when taping with the curve.
Moisture helps it bend:For tight curves, dampen the side of the panel that will be compressed.Sandwich the panels:Place the wet sides of two drywall panels together and let them sit for about an hour before attaching them. Tightly covering the assembly with plastic prevents the edges from drying out.
当attaching drywall to the outside of a curved wall, start at one end of the curve and fasten it to the studs as it forms around the bend. When drywalling the inside of a curved wall I was always told to start by attaching the panel at the center of the curve, but sometimes this will cause the panel to crack. I have had better luck working it over from an edge.
If the drywall is wet, allow enough time for it to dry thoroughly before taping.
When taping a curved wall you may want to finish to a level 5, because it is a very visible area.
WORK SMART:Even if the radius of a curve is large enough to apply flexible drywall without wetting it, pre-bow the panels for easier installation.
A clean finish:The very visible upper portion of this curved wall was skim coated (given a level 5 finish).Ease the transition:To create a transition between the bottom of the barrel ceiling and the walls, the author attached an additional 3-in.-wide layer of drywall at the top of the wall.
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According to the Gypsum Association standard GA-226-2019 Application of Gypsum Board to Form Curved Surface, "Allow to soak 10–15 minutes before bending. The board must be dried within 24 hours of wetting to prevent the development of mold. Fans and mechanical dehumidification devices should be used to accelerate drying when conditions are not conducive to natural drying." That is how to use water to aid in bending and avoid mold growth.
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Can't wet it no more....it develops mold
According to the Gypsum Association standard GA-226-2019 Application of Gypsum Board to Form Curved Surface, "Allow to soak 10–15 minutes before
bending. The board must be dried within 24 hours of wetting to prevent the development of mold. Fans and mechanical dehumidification devices should be used to accelerate drying when conditions are not conducive to natural drying." That is how to use water to aid in bending and avoid mold growth.