The Main Stages Of Drywall Taping
Step 1: Prepare For Drywall Taping
It’s important to make sure there are no screws sticking out from the drywall surface even if it’s just a little bit. Any screw that sticks out will need to be removed or driven using a drywall screw gun which is easier to work with than the ordinary screw driver. Avoid nails on the drywall. Nails can bend and force you to hammer the drywall which puts it under too much risk of damage.
The edges of the dry wall that are not tapered will form butt joints. Butt joints are usually more difficult to work with so try your best to minimize them. You can reduce the number of butt joints by making sure the boards of the drywall meet on the edges with 1/8 to ¼ inches of space apart.
Lastly on the preparation stage, visit or contact your local municipality to ensure that an inspection is carried out if need be. Inspection helps to know what areas need repairs or work done.
Step 2: Prepare The Joint Compound/Mud
Before applying the first coat make sure you have the right mix of mud. When the mud is too thick it’s going to be difficult to spread and there’s a risk of the tape ripping off. Choose mud that is lightweight and easy to work with. You can mix different batches because there are places where the compound will need to be thicker than in other areas. Mix the compound until it is smooth and consistent. If you see any lumps, start over. Working with mud that has lumps can create air bubbles.
Step 3: Find A Suitable Knife
You’ll need to have different knives for this project if you want to come up with smooth edges. Get 3 sizes of knives, a 5 inch, 10 inch and 12-inch knife. You may also want to invest in a drywall mud pan. You can opt for steel knives because plastic knives tends to get burrs on the edges which can make them harder to work with.
Step 4: Apply The First Coat
The first coat is usually thinner than the subsequent coats. That’s why it’s advisable to add some water to pre-mixed compound to make it a bit watery. Press a generous amount of the compound into the seam between the drywall boards. Don’t focus on any excess now; you can remove it later.
Step 5: Apply The Joint Tape
You can now place the tape on the mudded joint gently from one corner to the other. Make sure the tape is very even. You can even create a dimple in the center since it will make the tape easy to locate. Make sure to tape the inside corners and smoothen the tape as you go.
Step 6: Sanding The First Coat
The first coat needs to be absolutely dry before sanding. Before you start sanding make sure you have the right gear – a mask, goggles and a head scarf to avoid dust. If the surface doesn’t have bumps or pits, there’s no need to sand the joints.
Step 7: Apply The Next Coats
The second and third coat need to be slightly thicker than the first coat. The second coat is meant to fill up the joints and ensure there are no gaps. You can smoothen the outer edges again by adding more compound. You can apply a thin layer of compound to cover corner joints. Feathering the edges helps to ensure there’s enough compound above and below the joint. Allow the second coat to dry overnight and then sand again to ensure the compound has blended well into the drywall.
Step 8: Finish The Drywall
Finish the drywall to make sure it’s ready for priming and painting. Priming the drywall first helps to give the paint job a beautiful finish.