1. Mix Joint Compound Properly

The joint compound will determine how smooth the wall will appear so make sure you take your time to mix it properly. When mixing the compound make sure you have the right consistency depending on when it will be applied. For instance, a final coat will need to be thick whereas the initial coat can be slightly watery.

It would be a great idea to mix the compound separately by transferring a portion in different containers. This way you will have different pails to work with for taping and finishing. If you are working with joint compound that has already been mixed, apply little water to thin the compound and mix it thoroughly. Joint compound that has been pre-mixed is usually too thick to work with easily.

2. Prefilling Gaps On The Drywall

It’s common to find certain areas on the drywall that have gaps or are broken. To fill these gaps use setting type compound because it is easier to work with. It tends to harden quickly and doesn’t shrink fast unlike the regular drywall compound. Remove or cut out the broken areas first making sure there are no paper shreds remaining especially on the edges. Make sure the setting compound used to fill gaps is thick enough or it will not stick in the holes properly. As soon as the compound sets, start scrapping off any lumps or spots on the edges using a knife. Wait until the area hardens before taping.

3. How To Deal With Ridges And Bumps After Coating

When you apply joint compound, it’s common to find ridges and bumps that appear on the surface. When you apply another coating on top of these, you will cause a lot of problems. The compound once it dries may break off; and comes off when you apply a fresh coat. To avoid this make sure you scrap off any ridges or bumps that appear immediately in between the coats. It helps to give you a smooth and nice finish.

4. Making Sure The Tape Is Thoroughly Embedded In The Compound

It’s always important to ensure that once you apply the compound, the tape is properly embedded in it. You can do this by starting off with a thick coat of compound which you should spread consistently using a knife. Work from the center as you press the tape with your knife towards the end. Do this until you can see the compound oozing out from each side.

5. How To Ensure The Tape Had Stuck Properly

When the tape is not properly embedded in the joint, you will notice problems like bubbling as soon as it dries. That’s why you need to ensure the tape is properly embedded. When applying the compound and placing the tape make sure you see some of it oozing out. If you don’t it would mean the tape is not stuck properly to the new joint compound.

6. Cracking Of Outside Corner Beads

To avoid this make sure you apply tape over the metal edge after nailing on the bead. Cracking usually occurs after the wall has been painted. The other alternative to avoid cracking is to invest in special corner bead. This corner bead is designed to be held on by the joint compound so you will not have to use nails.

7. Dampen The Drywall Tape

Using a damp tape can really help to prevent bubbles when working on this project. Just keep a bucket of water nearby and then run the piece of water through the tape. Make sure you don’t soak the tape in water. With this you will never have bubbles forming once the joint dries.

8. Getting Rid Of Bubbles

Sometimes bubbles are inevitable and you’ll end up seeing a couple of them after embedding the tape. The biggest mistake you can make is to try and cover the bubbles with more joint compound. Instead of doing this, cut the affected area and remove the tape. Fill the space with setting compound and then let it dry before applying another coat.