How can I smooth out painted joint compound?

Question

To prepare the opening for new windows, I have put joint compound around the opening and I got it too thick and it is very rough. My wife says it looks like a Mexican cantina. The wall is textured, but smooth and flat. I would like to smooth the window so that it looks like the wall around it as much as possible. Can I sand it and repaint? If so, what is the best grit to use? I have rounded corners on the windows. Any advice? I would like to be ready to install the windows in two weeks.

Answer 1

yes you can go back and sand it.  Why don't you start from scratch and pay attention, close attention to how I do production sanding on dry wall.

1.  Apply first coat-Do not sand

2.  Apply the second coad-Do not sand-all the while I'm trying to conform to the original wall and when I apply the joint compound all I do is knock the rough edges off before I apply the next joint compound.

3.  After drying for 24 hours apply the final feather coating and let it dry 24 hours before I apply the sanding.  When sanding only sand lightly, do not sand on the drywall area only on the joint compound area.

Answer 2

Before you sand it you might try using a wet sponge to smooth it out... Use a grout sponge because they ate tougher than regular sponges Get it wet and rug the area you want smoothed several time between drying to get your desired finish...

Answer 3

Yes, you're going to have to sand and repaint.  I do wonder about using joint compound to replace structural fabric (which it sounds like you did) but it might work.  After you have sanded, make up some new joint compound but make it a thinner consistency and put it on in whatever manner you must - with a sponge, a trowel, your fingers - to get it to the same pattern as the surrounding wall.  Let dry and paint.

Answer 4

The joint compund will probably crack as the house expands and contracts with the weather and if you are opening and closing the window. It would be easier to remove the joint compound, put in insulation and cover with molding and caulk after you put the window in. However, if you must sand, start with a lower grit, 40 or 60, and then go over lightly with a 100 or 120.