Taping/mudding/plastering
Drywall taping is a tedious job, but if it not done properly any defects will show up when the wall is painted. Taping has to be in certain way for the finished wall to look perfect. The first task is to make sure that metal corners have been installed on all the outside corners and that the screws or nails are sunk below the surface of the drywall. Other terms like mudding or plastering is also commonly used for describing taping. We will use the term taping on this guide.
Step 1: Use a 5-inch-wide drywall taping knife to spread joint compound into the slight recess created by the tapered edges of the drywall sheets. Smooth the compound until it is even with the rest of the board surface.
Step 2: Taping a joint means applying joint compound followed by a strip of drywall tape, normally done at a seam between two pieces of drywall.
Center the drywall tape over the joint and press it firmly into the compound. Because some compound will squeeze out, make sure that there is still a good bed underneath. When you get the tape embedded into the compound all along the joint, smooth it with the taping knife. At the same time, fill all the nail dimples with compound.
Some drywall taping tips:
- Don’t use too little plastering compound. It is better to scrape off the excess than have the tape come off.
- Make sure you remove all excess compound. This reduces the amount of sanding you will have to do.
- When doing overhead taping get yourself a safe stand or stilt.
- If you can use a special drywall lift to easily access all areas around.
Step 3: When the compound is completely dry (usually 24 hours later) apply a very thin second coat of compound that extends out a few inches to either side of the first coat. After the second coat dries completely, apply a third coat, this time with a 10-inch-wide taping knife, extending the compound about 6 inches to either side. When the third coat is dry, feather all the edges with a sanding block covered with medium-grit sandpaper.
Recommended reading :
Ultimate Guide to Floors, Walls & Ceilings: Build, Remodel, Repair (Paperback)
by The Editors of Homeowner
# ISBN-10: 1580113427 / # ISBN-13: 978-1580113427
