Corner joints are those that are in a corner, such as two walls meeting or the wall and ceiling.(A tapered edge meeting a cut edge is unacceptable as it is not possible to finish it correctly). Butt joints are those that have cut edges of drywall meeting each other.Flat joints are those that have the wrapped, tapered edge of the drywall meeting another tapered edge.There are three types of joints to have tape and joint compound applied over them: flat, butt, and corner joints. It is preferable to mix lightly even if there is no separation mixing changes the consistency somewhat and will make it easier to handle on a knife. For taping the walls, it should be used as received without any dilution, as any water addition also dilutes the glue and bonding ability of the joint compound. Do not discard the liquid it is not simply water but part of the joint compound. Just dispose of it.ĭan Harmon How to Apply the Tape and Joint CompoundĪfter you've thoroughly prepped the wall, you're ready to start applying the tape and joint compound to your drywall.įirst, open the joint compound and, if separated with liquid on top, mix it just enough to mix in any liquid. Do not try to pick up and re-use such drippings as they will always contain foreign material that will show up on the finished wall. As noted above, finished flooring needs to be covered you absolutely will drip joint compound, and while it is water soluble and not difficult to remove, you will probably drip a lot of it. It is not necessary to vacuum or brush the entire wall, but heavy accumulations should be removed. Large amounts of dust, sawdust, or other materials will result in a lumpy wall and difficult application of joint compound. Walls should be reasonably clean before proceeding.

Make sure the joint compound is not only set hard but dry before continuing. Do not try to fill a two or three-inch hole with joint compound of any type. Apply a setting type of joint compound to fill gaps large holes must be filled with additional drywall. When applying joint compound, the compound will fill a small gap of perhaps 1/8' without trouble, but larger gaps will result in delayed shrinkage and depression or cracking down the road.

Gaps between pieces of drywall need to be filled if large. Again, any protrusions will result in an unsatisfactory job. Drywall that has been crushed into an adjacent piece is not acceptable and must be either replaced (preferable) or at least the crushed protruding area trimmed off. A second nail is often placed about 2' from the first to firmly fasten the drywall. If this happens, the nail will eventually 'pop' through the joint compound, so make sure the drywall is firmly attached to the studding behind it. Loose nails may be driven to the proper depth, but a twisted or deformed stud can still allow the drywall to move in and out as it does not actually contact the twisted stud. Any protrusions will make a smooth surface impossible to achieve. Nails and screws should be driven just slightly under the surface of the drywall but not so much that they break the paper surface. Check for protruding nails and/or screws.

No coat drywall tape