How Do You Finish A Garage Wall?

Do you want to make your garage more usable and aesthetically pleasing? Garage wall finishing is an essential part of any garage remodel. Having completed walls in a garage does more than just improve the space’s visual appeal; it also adds insulation and security.

How do you finish a garage wall? That is the question we will answer today. Here, we’ll go over some methods and supplies that can help you make your garage look nice and feel cosy inside.

Knowing how to finish the walls of your garage is important whether you want to turn it into a workshop, at home gym, or just want to make it seem better.

From surface preparation to selecting appropriate insulation & wall covering choices, we’ll show you how to design a garage that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Use these suggestions for completing garage walls to make your garage more pleasant and useful.

What Should Be Budgeted

A two-car garage measuring 20 feet wide by 24 feet long will require insulation and drywall finishing across 800 sq ft of walls.

• Prices range from $.40-$.75 per square foot, depending on the product’s quality.
• The wallboard costs $300.
• Cost of screws: $30
• Price of $3 for a roll of joint tape
• Mud, $30 (premixed all-purpose joint compound)
• To sand drywall costs about $10.
• Sanding sponges cost $5.

If you want to maximise your convenience and energy savings from insulating your garage walls, you should also insulate the ceiling, floor, & door.

Putting The Final Touches On Garage Walls

Drywall is often accepted as the optimal wall covering for garages. It’s simple to set up and improves a building’s ability to withstand fire. There is, however, another choice for the garage’s walls. Oriented strand board (OSB) doesn’t need to be taped and finished after being fastened to a wall’s structure using screws. This method is particularly helpful for securely attaching cupboards and shelves to the walls of a garage.

From evaluating the wall’s current state to applying the finishing touches, we’ll walk you through the procedure.

Step 1: Examine The Wall’s Condition

To complete a garage wall, you must first determine its current state. This stage is crucial since it reveals any problems or damage that must be fixed before the finishing process can continue.

Check out the wall thoroughly first. Check for signs of moisture and water damage, such as cracks or holes. It’s important to pay attention to these factors because they can affect the finished wall’s stability and look.

If you see any gaps, you can widen them with a putty knife. The level of damage can then be assessed, and the best course of action for fixing it can be decided. It would be good to know how big the cracks are and where they are located when deciding how to fix them.

Look for larger issues, such as holes or gaps inside this wall, as well as cracks. They might have been brought on by eliminating once-present shelves or hooks. The finishing materials will adhere better to a smooth or even surface if the gaps are filled.

Look out for discolouration, mould, or a musty odour since these could indicate water damage or intrusion. If moisture problems aren’t resolved, they can cause additional structural failure. Before continuing with the finishing process, it is crucial to locate the origin of the moisture and correct any leaks or ventilation issues.

After a thorough inspection of the wall has shown any problems, the next stages are to clear the wall and fix the affected parts. If you want your garage wall finish to survive, it’s important to inspect the walls first.

Step 2: Remove The Wall

The garage wall has to be cleared after its condition has been evaluated. Whenever a wall needs to be cleared, anything attached to or blocked must be removed. After completing this phase, you’ll have a blank slate to paint your final touches.

Take down any wall-mounted components first, including shelves, hooks, brackets, and anything else that might be affixed to the wall. Carefully remove these components by using a screwdriver or a drill. Put them aside, either to be reused in the new wall or to be thrown away.

Avoid any switches, outlets, or wiring as you remove the wall. Remember where they are so they aren’t messed with or hidden by finishing materials. To safely remove or reinstall any electrical components, the power to the area may need to be turned off.

Remove any dirt, dust, or cobwebs from the wall, and don’t forget about the fixtures! You can clean the wall with a broom, vacuum, or duster. The next steps in the finishing process will be more effective if the surface has been prepared by removing dirt or particles.

To see the wall in its entirety and apply the finishing materials without any obstructions, you must first clear the wall. It also reduces the potential for breaking or destroying any equipment or furniture. The key to a great and polished garage wall finish is trying to clear the wall.

Step 3: Fix Any Damage

The final stage in completing the garage is to restore any damaged areas after they have been cleared. For a perfect and flawless end product, this is an essential step. By filling in and sealing gaps or holes, you’ll lay a firm groundwork for the rest of the finishing procedure.

To begin, look for obvious damage on the wall’s surface. Check the walls for any signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, stains, or deterioration. These problems can emerge due to age, an impact, or general wear and tear.

A patching compound and spackle can fill in minor fractures or holes. Use a putty knife to spread the compound and smooth it until the surface is uniform. After the compound has dried according to the manufacturers ’ instructions, a light sanding will help it blend in with the wall.

Patching drywall may be necessary to fix larger holes or repair more extensive damage. Create a piece of drywall slightly smaller than the hole using the measurements of the damaged area. 

Ensure the patch is flush only with the wall before securing it with screws or nails. To provide a seamless appearance, a joint compound should be applied over the patch’s seams and edges. Again when the compound is dry, sand the area to create a smooth surface.

It may be necessary to completely replace the damaged portion of the wall if the damage is considerable or even if the wall’s material is badly degraded. If the wall studs or structures are damaged, they may need to be replaced before new drywall can be installed.

If you want your garage walls to look polished and professional, you must address and repair any damaged areas. It prepares the walls for subsequent processes, such as insulation, drywall, and painting, by ensuring a solid structure. Investing in a thorough repair will yield a more aesthetically pleasing and durable end result.

Step 4: Insulating The Wall

Whether you want to use the garage as a living area or increase its energy efficiency, insulation of a garage wall is a must. Insulation makes a building more habitable by controlling the temperature and minimising noise transfer.

Make sure the surface is free of dust and dirt before insulating. This will ensure a successful insulation installation.

Fibreglass batts, polystyrene boards, and spray foam are just a few insulation options. Pick the one that fits your situation and budget the best.

Determine how much insulation you’ll need by measuring the wall’s dimensions. Insulation should be cut to fit between wall studs with a small gap left between them for ventilation. Ensure it fits snugly, but don’t squish the insulation, or it will lose some of its insulating power.

When installing insulation between wall studs, it is best to begin at the top & work your way down. If you’re using fibreglass batts, press them firmly into place to completely cover the studs and leave no air pockets.

Use insulation tape or construction adhesive to keep foam boards in place. If there are any switches or outlets in the area, you’ll need to cut holes in the insulation around them carefully.

Putting a vapour barrier atop insulation can improve its effectiveness. This helps keep the wall dry and secure from the inside out. The vapour barrier needs to be hung on the wall’s opposite side that faces the inside of the garage, where it will stay warm.

Before installing insulation, check the manufacturer’s guidelines and the building codes in your area. Make sure there’s enough airflow and fire extinguishers are installed.

Garage wall insulation improves comfort and saves money on utility bills. It’s useful for retaining heat in the winter and keeping things cool in the summer. Wall insulation is an excellent long-term investment in your garage’s usefulness and comfort.

Step 5: Drywall Installation

Drywall installation is the next stage after the insulation has been added to a garage wall. Drywall, also called gypsum board and sheetrock, is an excellent base for further decoration since it is smooth and sturdy.

A wall’s dimensions will influence the amount and number of drywall sheets required for the job. Sheets measuring 4×8 feet are ideal for conventional wall heights, but you may need to make adjustments based on the specifics of your garage.

The first sheet of drywall should be propped up against the wall in one corner, with its long edge flush on a wall stud. If you want the sheet to be perfectly straight, use a level. Use the utility knife to cut the drywall to size if needed.

Use drywall screws to fasten the drywall to the studs in the wall. Drive the screws into the studs every 12 inches, working from the middle outward. To avoid tearing the drywall paper, sink the screws just below the surface.

Keep going with the drywall installation, and stagger the joints of the remaining sheets. A more solid and steady wall is the result of this method. While working on a ceiling or other elevated surface, a drywall raise or a helping hand is essential.

Leave a tiny space for expansion when cutting drywall around openings like windows and doors. For clean, accurate cuts, a drywall saw, and rotary tool is recommended. Please put in the pieces that have been cut out, making sure they fit tightly around the holes.

Once the drywall has been put in, check for gaps or unevenness in the surface. Any sheets that aren’t flush with their neighbours should have tiny wooden wedges or shims placed underneath them.

At this point, it’s crucial to remember that the drywall installation will lay the groundwork for an excellent final product. It’s important to take time and ensure the sheets are straight, attached, and flawless.

You’ve moved forwards with the finishing of the garage walls by installing the drywall. Taping & mudding the joints, sanding, and priming the wall are the next procedures before painting.

Step 6: Seams Should Be Taped And Muddied.

Taping and mudding the joints between drywall sheets is the next stage in finishing a wall in a garage. Joint tape & joint compound are used in this technique to provide a completely smooth finish.

First, use a drywall blade or trowel to spread a thin layer of rubber cement along the length of each seam. The joint compound is used to seal the seams between its drywall sheets but as an adhesive for such tape.

Then, bend the joint tape before pressing it firmly into the wet rubber cement along the seam. If there are any creases or bubbles, as in a tape, use a drywall blade or spatula to smooth them out. All of the wall joints should be treated in the same way.

Apply a second coat of joint compound over the tape, letting it extend beyond its edges for a seamless finish. Spread it compound evenly & feather the edges using a wide drywall knife or trowel.

Following the manufacturer’s recommendations, let the first application of joint compound dry fully. Depending on the humidity and temperature, this can take 12 to 24 hours.

After the first layer has dried, smooth down any lumps or defects using fine-grit sandpaper. Dust can be removed using a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner.

Use more joint compound and cover a larger area so it disappears into the wall. You should feather paint the edges of something like the compound to blend perfectly with the drywall.

When the second coat of paint has dried, sand it again. Check the joints for any lingering flaws, and if there are any, apply a third coat to the joint compound, wait for it to dry, and then sand it down.

The garage wall can’t be considered finished until the taping & mudding process is complete. Applying the joint compound should be done slowly and carefully to produce a uniform and smooth finish. After the seams have been mudded and taped, the wall will be ready for priming & painting and will have a finished aspect.

Step 7: The Wall Should Be Sanded

The final stage in finishing the garage wall is sanding the surface after the joint solution has cured and the seams have been taped and mudded. The wall is prepared for priming & painting after being sanded to provide a smooth and perhaps even finish.

Get the workspace ready first. Protect the floor and other items from dust by laying down the drop cloth or using plastic sheeting. Protect your eyes and lungs from flying debris by donning a dust mask and safety glasses.

Sand the entire wall carefully using a sanded block or pole and medium-grit sandpaper (about 120-150 grit). Use gentle, circular, or sanding-back-and-forth motions. The purpose is to get rid of any irregularities in the adhesive.

Examine the taped joints and places where the joint compound was placed with particular care. To make a smooth transition from the compound to the drywall, feather out other compound edges. Sand until there are no rough spots or uneven areas.

Oversanding or using too much pressure might cause uneven patches or damage the drywall. Dust the wall surface with a damp cloth or vacuum it up at regular intervals so that you can see your work.

The final pass should be done with finer grit sandpaper, perhaps around 220 grit, after the medium grit has been used. This will aid in the final polishing and smoothing out of the surface. To get a shiny finish, sand very softly and carefully.

After sanding, you should check the wall for any blemishes. A joint compound can fill in cracks or holes, and the area can be sanded smoothly.

Don’t forget to wipe off the walls and other nearby surfaces to ensure a clean working environment. To remove the last dust, dust using a damp towel or vacuum it up.

The garage wall has to be sanded so that it may be primed and painted properly. Sanding thoroughly will help you get a smooth, even surface on your garage walls.

Step 8: Prepare The Wall

Priming the garage wall after sanding is the next step in completing the project. Priming the wall ensures a smooth surface for painting and improves the patient’s ability to stick to the wall. It also aids in sealing the drywall & joint compound to prevent excessive paint absorption.

Ensure the wall is free of sanding dust and other debris before applying primer. Remove any leftover dust or dirt with a dry towel or vacuum.

Choose a primer made especially for drywall that is of good quality. Primers often require a quick stir or shake before application.

With a brush, cut in close to the wall’s edges. Apply a thin, even coat or primer along edges, corners, and anywhere trim or fixtures meet using smooth, even strokes. This makes sure the paint gets where a roller can’t go.

After you have primed the edges, you can roll the primer onto the remaining wall. Go from one corner to the other in a fluid, overlapping motion. Priming should be applied in a light, even coat without dripping or pooling.

The primer needs to dry completely before you can paint over it. This usually takes several hours to complete but can be faster or slower, depending on the weather. During this time of drying, the location must have adequate ventilation.

Check the wall for spots that need touching up after the first primer layer has dried. The primer should be applied twice for optimal coverage and uniformity of appearance. The second coat must also be given ample time to dry.

Priming the wall before painting gives the paint something to adhere to, making for a more even and bright coat of colour. You’ll save time and energy because you won’t have to apply as many layers of paint.

After priming, ensure your tools are clean and ready for the subsequent step by washing them with water or the proper cleaning solution.

Now that you’ve primed the wall, you can go on to the fun part and give your garage some colour and personality by painting it.

Step 9: The Wall Should Be Painted

Adding colour and character by painting a garage wall is a fun project. Whether you choose a matte, satin, and semi-gloss finish, selecting high-quality paint suited for interior walls is essential.

Cover the floor and any furniture or things that you don’t want to be painted using drop cloths with plastic sheeting before you start painting.

With a brush, cut in close to the wall’s edges. Paint the walls, ceiling, and trim evenly before installing anything. Spend extra time here to ensure your lines and coverage are spot on.

After painting the wall’s edges, you can roll the paint onto the remaining wall space. Working from one corner to the other, overlap your strokes as you go. Apply it evenly with long, vertical strokes. Overusing the roller’s pressure can lead to streaks and uneven coverage.

The paint should be applied in thin coats, with ample drying time. Drying durations vary depending on the product and company and might take a few hours to an entire night.

Two or three coats of paint, depending on the shade and coverage needed, should be applied for the best results. It’s important to wait for each coat to fully dry before applying the next. Keep the finish uniform by applying each coat with a clean roll or brush.

You can also decorate the garage wall with textures and other effects. You can use sponge painting, stencils, or a faux finish to achieve this effect. Before applying these methods to a large wall, ensure you have practised them on a smaller area or example board first.

After the last layer of paint has dried, you should check the wall for whichever spots need more attention. Fix any flaws or locations you missed with a tiny brush.

Wait for the paint to dry completely before rearranging or rehanging anything on the wall. Depending on the paint, this could take a few weeks to a few days.

Painting its garage wall is the final step in completing your project and completely changing the room’s look. Have fun with it, and be proud of your freshly painted garage wall.

Step 10: Finishing Elements

Now that the garage wall has been painted and looks fresh, the finishing touches may be added to make the room appear its best. Putting in these finishing touches will improve the look and function of your garage.

• Install Trim: Add moulding or trim to the wall’s edges and wherever windows and doors meet the wall. Trim gives a room a complete aspect by bridging the gap between the wall and the furniture or other features.
• Baseboards and Crown Molding: To further improve the aesthetic appeal, install baseboards at the bottom of a wall and crown moulding above it. These finishing touches hide unsightly wall-to-floor or ceiling seams while adding a touch of class to any room.
• Outlet and Switch Covers: Get new covers for your garage’s electrical outlets and switches to update the space. The visual impact of this modification to the wall might be substantial.
• Lighting Fixtures: Replace the old garage lighting with something more modern and attractive. Put in some energy-saving LED bulbs or modern lighting fixtures that accompany the decor.
• Shelving and Storage: To make the most of your garage, set up some shelves or a storage system. This can assist in maintaining the area neat, making it simpler to find what you need when needed.
• Wall Décor: Hang up some pictures, photos, or wall decor that speaks to your tastes and interests. Your garage will have a warm and welcoming vibe, thanks to your efforts.
• Mirrors: Place mirrors on the wall in key areas to reflect light and provide the impression of more space. Mirrors are not only decorative but also useful for checking one’s appearance and aiding in duties that call for reflection.
• Hooks and Hangers: Mount wall-mounted hooks and hangers for storing and displaying tools, sporting goods, and other objects. This is a practical and convenient addition to your garage that helps you keep it neat.
• Flooring: Epoxy coating, mats, and other long-lasting flooring solutions are all good choices for a garage. This will improve the room’s aesthetics and make it more convenient to keep tidy.
• Personalise the Space: Put in a workbench, a TV, a mini-fridge, and some chairs to make the garage feel more like your own. Modify the room to accommodate your tastes and requirements.

By adding these finishing touches, you can transform your garage wall into a functional and visually appealing area that reflects your style. Enjoy the process of making the space uniquely yours, and take pride in your finished garage wall.

Conclusion 

Garage wall finishing is an essential part of any garage remodel, adding insulation and security. Costs range from $.40-$.75 per square foot, with oriente strand board (OSB) being a good choice for securely attaching cupboards and shelves. Examine the wall’s condition before applying the finishing touches. Inspect the garage wall for gaps, holes, discolouration, mould, and musty odour. Clear the wall and fix any affected parts.

Clean the wall with a broom, vacuum, or duster. Clearing the wall is essential for a polished garage wall finish. To repair any damaged areas, patching compound and spackle can fill in minor fractures or holes. Patching drywall may be necessary for larger holes or extensive damage. Insulating a garage wall is an important step to increase its energy efficiency and comfort.

It should be cut to fit between wall studs with a small gap left for ventilation. Vapour barrier should be hung on the opposite side. Check manufacturer’s guidelines and building codes. Dried drywall should be propped up against the wall, cut to size, fastened to studs, stagger joints, check for gaps, tape and mud the joints, sand, and priming the wall before painting. Seams should be taped and muddied with joint tape and joint compound.

Apply a second coat of joint compound over the tape, let it dry, smooth down any lumps or defects, apply a third coat, and sand the wall to produce a uniform and smooth finish. Sand the entire wall carefully with a sanding block or pole and medium-grit sandpaper. Sand the garage wall thoroughly with finer grit sandpaper and check for any blemishes. Wipe off the walls and other nearby surfaces to ensure a clean working environment. Prime the wall with a light, even coat and allow it to dry completely before painting.

Priming the wall is essential for optimal coverage and uniformity of appearance. After priming, tools should be washed and the wall should be painted. Paint the walls, ceiling, and trim evenly with long, vertical strokes. Wait for each coat to dry before applying the next. Decorate with textures and other effects.

Check the wall for flaws and wait for the paint to dry before rearranging or rehanging anything. Add finishing touches to improve the look and function of the garage. Replace old lighting fixtures with energy-saving LED bulbs, set up shelves and storage, add wall décor, mirrors, hooks and hangers, and flooring. Personalise garage wall to reflect style and take pride.

Content Summary: 

• Do you want to make your garage more usable and aesthetically pleasing?
• How do you finish a garage wall?
• Here, we’ll go over some methods and supplies that can help you make your garage look nice and feel cosy inside.
• Knowing how to finish the walls of your garage is important whether you want to turn it into a workshop, at home gym, or just want to make it seem better.
• From surface preparation to selecting appropriate insulation & wall covering choices, we’ll show you how to design a garage that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Use these suggestions for completing garage walls to make your garage more pleasant and useful.
• The finishing materials will adhere better to a smooth or even surface if the gaps are filled.
• If you want your garage wall finish to survive, it’s important to inspect the walls first.
• The garage wall has to be cleared after its condition has been evaluated.
• To see the wall in its entirety and apply the finishing materials without any obstructions, you must first clear the wall.
• The key to a great and polished garage wall finish is trying to clear the wall.
• To begin, look for obvious damage on the wall’s surface.
• If you want your garage walls to look polished and professional, you must address and repair any damaged areas.
• Investing in a thorough repair will yield a more aesthetically pleasing and durable end result.
• Determine how much insulation you’ll need by measuring the wall’s dimensions.
• Putting a vapour barrier atop insulation can improve its effectiveness.
• Drywall installation is the next stage after the insulation has been added to a garage wall.
• Use drywall screws to fasten the drywall to the studs in the wall.
• You’ve moved forwards with the finishing of the garage walls by installing the drywall.
• Taping and mudding the joints between drywall sheets is the next stage in finishing a wall in a garage.
• Apply a second coat of joint compound over the tape, letting it extend beyond its edges for a seamless finish.
• Check the joints for any lingering flaws, and if there are any, apply a third coat to the joint compound, wait for it to dry, and then sand it down.
• The garage wall can’t be considered finished until the taping & mudding process is complete.
• The final stage in finishing the garage wall is sanding the surface after the joint solution has cured and the seams have been taped and mudded.
• Examine the taped joints and places where the joint compound was placed with particular care.
• Sanding thoroughly will help you get a smooth, even surface on your garage walls.
• Priming the garage wall after sanding is the next step in completing the project.
• Ensure the wall is free of sanding dust and other debris before applying primer.
• Check the wall for spots that need touching up after the first primer layer has dried.
• Priming the wall before painting gives the paint something to adhere to, making for a more even and bright coat of colour.
• Paint the walls, ceiling, and trim evenly before installing anything.
• Apply it evenly with long, vertical strokes.
• Wait for the paint to dry completely before rearranging or rehanging anything on the wall.
• Painting its garage wall is the final step in completing your project and completely changing the room’s look.
• Now that the garage wall has been painted and looks fresh, the finishing touches may be added to make the room appear its best.
• Putting in these finishing touches will improve the look and function of your garage.
• Get new covers for your garage’s electrical outlets and switches to update the space.
• Replace the old garage lighting with something more modern and attractive.
• Put in some energy-saving LED bulbs or modern lighting fixtures that accompany the decor.
• To make the most of your garage, set up some shelves or a storage system.
• Place mirrors on the wall in key areas to reflect light and provide the impression of more space.
• This is a practical and convenient addition to your garage that helps you keep it neat.
• Put in a workbench, a TV, a mini-fridge, and some chairs to make the garage feel more like your own.
• Modify the room to accommodate your tastes and requirements.
• By adding these finishing touches, you can transform your garage wall into a functional and visually appealing area that reflects your style.
• Enjoy the process of making the space uniquely yours, and take pride in your finished garage wall.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Wall

Can I finish my garage wall without installing insulation?

Yes, you can finish your garage wall without insulation. Still, it is recommended to insulate the wall for improved energy efficiency and comfort if you plan to use the space frequently.

How long does it take to finish a garage wall?

The time required to finish a garage wall depends on various factors, such as the wall’s condition, size, and project complexity. It can take a few days to a couple of weeks to complete the entire process.

What type of paint should I use for my garage wall?

It is recommended to use high-quality latex paint that is durable and easy to clean. Consider using a paint with a semi-gloss or satin finish for better resistance to moisture and stains.

Can I hire a professional to finish my garage wall?

Yes, if you feel unsure about tackling the project yourself or lack the necessary tools and skills, hiring a professional contractor or painter is a viable option.

Should I remove the existing drywall before finishing my garage wall?

If the existing drywall is damaged or in poor condition, it is advisable to remove it and start with a fresh installation. However, if the drywall is in good shape, you can work with it and make the necessary repairs and modifications.