Repair Drywall and Prepare Surface

What happens here

Inspect the exposed drywall for damage. Cut and install new pieces of drywall to fill any large holes or areas where the original drywall was compromised. Secure the new drywall pieces using drywall screws into the existing studs. Apply a coat of joint compound (mud) over all seams and screw heads, embedding paper or fiberglass mesh tape into the wet mud. Allow the first coat to dry, then apply additional thin coats, feathering the edges to create a smooth, seamless surface. Once completely dry, sand the patched areas smooth to remove any imperfections. The goal is a perfectly flat and smooth surface to ensure a flawless Venetian plaster finish.

Goal: This step focuses on repairing any damaged drywall, adding new pieces where necessary, and preparing the entire surface for plaster application by applying joint compound and sanding.