How do you finish drywall around a window?

Finishing drywall around a window takes some extra care and planning. Windows create gaps and seams in drywall that need to be properly finished for a smooth, professional look. Here are the key steps for finishing drywall around windows:

Prepare the Window

Before installing drywall, make sure the window is properly installed and flashed. Remove any shipping braces or stops on the windows to allow the drywall to fit tight to the window frame. Clean the window frame so drywall compound and tape will adhere properly.

Fill Gaps Around Window Frame

Look for any gaps between the installed window frame and rough opening. Fill larger gaps with fiberglass insulation or minimal expanding foam. This helps stabilize the window in the framing. Smaller gaps can be filled with drywall compound when finishing.

Install Backer Rod

Install backer rod in any deep channels around the window frame. Backer rod is a flexible foam cord that fits into channels to provide a backing surface for drywall compound. This prevents cracks from forming. Compress the backer rod into channels around the frame before installing drywall.

Cut Drywall to Fit

Measure carefully and cut the drywall to fit tight around the window frame. Cut holes for any crank handles or operating hardware on the window. The goal is to have the drywall sit flush with the window frame all the way around.

Tip

It often works best to cut drywall horizontally across the center of the window. This avoids butt joints at the corners and provides more seamless finishing.

Use Drywall Clips

For large windows or heavy drywall, use drywall clips to help support the weight. Drywall clips are metal right angle brackets that attach to the window frame. They provide a strong, sturdy edge to secure drywall against.

Apply Corner Bead

With the drywall cut and ready, apply corner bead to all window corners and edges. Corner bead is a metal or plastic trim with perpendicular flanges. The flanges adhere to the drywall and cover the corner seam. This provides a straight, durable corner that won’t crack when finishing.

Tip

For a professional finish, use paper-faced metal corner beads. The paper coating makes it easy to apply finishing coats over the corner.

Use Adhesive and Staples

Run a continuous bead of construction adhesive along the back edge of the corner bead. Also secure it with staples or drywall nails every 4-6 inches. Drive fasteners into the window frame if possible.

Run Joint Tape and Compound

With corner beads installed, run drywall joint tape and compound over all seams around the window. This includes:

• Between drywall sheets
• Where drywall butts window frame
• Inside corners

Steps for Taping

1. Apply thin layer of compound over the seam
2. Bed joint tape into the compound
3. Apply a topping layer of compound over the tape
4. Let dry and sand smooth

Take extra care to prevent bubbles or wrinkles where the tape meets the window frame. Feather out the joint compound several inches wide for best results.

Apply Finishing Coats

Once taping is complete, finish the seams with two to three coats of drywall compound, feathering out each coat wider as you go. Lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish. The final coat should extend 8 to 12 inches beyond the seam.

Finish Inside Corners

Where drywall meets at inside corners, run a corner trowel or corner applicator down the seam to finish the corner. Apply enough pressure to leave a smooth, crisp corner edge.

Fill Any Gaps

Carefully inspect around the window for any remaining cracks or gaps, especially where drywall butts the frame. Fill these with drywall compound to create a seamless transition.

Prime and Paint

Once finishing is complete and dry, prime and paint the drywall using a high quality drywall primer and paint. Take care not to get paint on the window frame or glass. After priming, caulk between the drywall and window frame for a perfect finish.

Extra Tips for Drywall Around Windows

• Use setting-type compound for quicker drying at seams
• Apply painter’s tape around window frame before finishing
• Keep drywall back 1/8″ from window frame reveals
• Use thin coats when finishing near glass to prevent cracking

Proper planning and careful finishing will lead to perfect results around windows. With some patience, the right materials, and these steps, you can achieve seamless drywall integration around any window.

FAQs on Finishing Drywall Around Windows

Should drywall go over or under window trim?

Drywall should be installed under existing window trim or framing. Do not install drywall over top of window casings. Cut drywall to the inside edges of trim for the best finishing results.

How much space should be left between drywall and window frame?

Leave a gap of 1/8 inch between drywall and the window frame. This allows space for caulk and any shifting. Drywall should not press tightly against window jambs or framing.

What type of drywall compound should be used around windows?

Use a setting-type compound formulated for taping and finishing coats. This dries harder than all-purpose compound for more durable results. For final skim coats, use a top-quality lightweight compound.

Should mesh or paper drywall tape be used on window seams?

Paper joint tape typically provides the strongest, most crack-resistant seams for drywall finishing around windows. Use paper tape for the first embedded coat over joints.

How far should drywall finishing coats extend around window seams?

Each coat should extend progressively wider, typically 8 to 12 inches beyond the seam. This prevents visible ridges and tapering provides a smooth transition.

Conclusion

Finishing drywall around window openings takes precision and attention to detail. Following these techniques will help you achieve clean, smooth, professional looking results:

• Prepare window surface and fill gaps
• Cut drywall snugly around window frame
• Install corner bead on all edges
• Tape seams and apply multiple finishing coats
• Feather out compound at least 12 inches from seams
• Fill any remaining cracks or gaps
• Prime, paint, and caulk for flawless finish

With the right materials and proper technique, you can expertly finish drywall around windows for seamless results. Taking extra care at these tricky areas will enhance the look of any room.

Related Resources

Helpful Videos on Drywall Finishing Around Windows

See useful step-by-step tutorials and tips:

Video Title	Channel
How to Finish Drywall Around a Window or Doorway	Vancouver Carpenter
Pro Tips for Finishing Drywall Around Doors and Windows	drywallinfochannel
DIY Drywall Tricks for perfect seams around doors & windows	Home Renovision DIY

Helpful Products for Drywall Finishing Around Windows

Top supplies to make the job easier:

Product	Key Benefits
Corner bead roller tool	– Applies corner bead quickly and accurately
Drywall corner trowel	– Finishes inside corners smoothly
Lightweight setting-type compound	– Ideal for window finishing coats
Drywall sanding sponge	– Conforms to shapes for detail sanding

Using the right tools and materials is key to high quality results finishing drywall around windows. Investing in these supplies will make the process faster and give you professional looking finishes.

With some careful planning and technique, you can achieve seamless drywall integration around windows for a polished, flawless look in any room. Follow these steps and tips to properly finish drywall adjoining window frames and openings.