By now, we’re all pretty aware that reality television is hardly reality. This holds true for all types of shows, including the do-it-yourself (DIY) handyman programmes. Although they’re great for ideas, they never tell the whole story. Toronto and Ontario union workers definitely agree when it comes to the way that taping drywall is presented.
In many of the DIY shows, drywall taping is treated as if it’s something you can just pick up immediately and handle like an expert. This is definitely not the case! At IUPAT, our drywall finishers apprentice for months, and train throughout their lifetimes, gaining more expertise year by year. They would be the first to tell you that you can’t just watch a YouTube video or write down a few suggestions and then expect your drywall taping to be a breeze.
The truth is that drywall taping, like any other drywall finishing job, requires a certain skill set. The skills don’t come from just seeing how it’s done, or reading a web article, but actually doing it over… and over… and over… and… you get the picture. That’s what they never say to audiences on the DIY shows that are trying to sell you on the idea that it’s a piece of cake to tape drywall.
What makes drywall taping so challenging? There are tons of factors, but the first is that if you’re new to it, you’re bound to make mistakes at the beginning. Even if you have the best hand-eye coordination, you can’t always predict how difficult drywall tape can be to manage. You need to get a rhythm going, and then move along from that point. Professional drywall tapers hone their abilities after doing it hundreds, if not thousands, of times.
Another aspect of drywall taping that frustrates and surprises DIYers is that it’s time-consuming and requires complete focus. Patience is definitely a huge asset when you’re a professional drywall taper! Drywall taping isn’t something that you can do in 15 or 30 minutes, particularly if you’re a beginner. Depending upon the size and scope of the project, you might be working with tape all day. That’s one of the reasons union workers are hired to get the job done quickly.
Those who are not deterred by these realities of drywall taping may want to think twice about tackling any kind of drywall finishing work if they aren’t in great shape. You need muscles as a drywall finisher, not just a desire to get the work done. Drywall tape may not weigh much, but after hanging the drywall, taping it and applying compound, your muscles are going to be begging for a break! Again, that’s what the TV shows never highlight. It’s very sweaty, time-consuming, tough work!
The next time you watch television and see how “easy” drywall taping looks, remember that it’s all for the cameras. Real union drywall tapers spend a lot of energy becoming skilled at their crafts.
Want to join other drywall tapers and finishers in the Toronto area? Call the IUPAT for more information on drywall finishing apprenticeships.
