Taping Drywall

Taping drywall is quite difficult to do and if you do not do it properly, there will be joints and nails that are still visible through the wall. Most home owners would like to leave this job to a professional, but with the right technique and tools, it is possible to achieve smooth walls.

Instructions for Taping Drywall

Materials Required

• Four inch flexible putty knife
• Six inch flexible putty knife
• Setting compound
• Roll of paper tape
• 12 inch trowel
• A banjo

Method

Mix the setting compound with water to the desired consistency before you begin taping drywall. To keep the compound from drying out, cover the pail of compound with a hardboard. Saturate the paper tape in the mud compound and apply it all the joints and corner beads. Use the banjo to evenly saturate the tape with the compound and then carefully pull it out of the banjo and apply it on the wall. As you apply a small portion of the tape into the wall, use your fingers to smooth out the drywall joints and cut the tape to the required length with the lip of the banjo. Now use the six inch flexible putty knife to press the tape flat onto the wall and remove any excess compounds. After you have finished taping drywall on the entire length of the wall, use a trowel to spread a second coat of compound over the drywall. When you have applied the concrete all over the wall, use the trowel to even and smooth it out. Scrape and smooth out any rough projected ridges on the drywall before applying a third coat of the compound. Use a medium grit sandpaper to lightly sand the edges of the drywall.

Taping Drywall Corners

First measure and cut the paper tape roll to the required length and then fold it in half. Coat the tape in the compound mix and tape it on the corners extend it the tape about 4 to 5 inches away from the edge. Apply a second and third coat of compound with the help of the four inch flexible putty knife. Allow it to dry and then sand the edges with a medium grit sandpaper.

Taping Drywall Ceiling

First apply a coat of compound on the ceiling and make sure that it is completely even and smooth. Now apply the paper tape over the compound and a second coat of compound over it. Use the trowel to smooth it out and make sure that the tape is not visible after the second application of compound. Allow the drywall compound to dry completely for at least 24 hours before sanding it with a medium grit sandpaper.

Taping drywall with mesh tape is also an alternative if you do not want to use paper tape. The advantage of taping drywall with mesh tape is that unlike paper tape you do not need to apply a coat of compound to the wall before using it on the wall. Allow the drywall to dry for at least a week before applying paint. With a bit of patience and practice, you too can do drywall taping for your home.