I've been looking at some YouTube videos and some plasterers us a float and hawk to apply second and third coats rather than a wide knife. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on November 08, 2015: My only thoughts are that either it isn't actually smooth and level (try a straight edge over it) or that it isn't actually dry. If it is, though, you can simply add a very thing coat of mud over the area and sand it smooth. So – I’m hoping you can help out your fellow artists and craftpeople wherever you may live, and help me put together a list of product names for locally available materials that will work to make paper mache clay. I like how these types of articles, which are obviously written by someone who gets paid to do this job, give you hints on how to do the job but try to scare you in the first paragraph or two into thinking that you can't do this job like an experienced professional. There should still be a definite taper on the flat joints after this process; you have another two coats to apply before the surface is to be flat. In any case, start mixing the compound with a mud masher or a drywall mixing paddle in a 1⁄2-in., low-speed (450-650 rpm) drill. It cannot emphasize enough that preparation is necessary before you begin to apply tape and joint compound. The skim coat should be at least eighteen inches wide over both flat and butt joints, and at least a foot each way on the corners. For a corner, fold the tape inward and place the folded edge directly into the corner, allowing the sides to fan out and connect with the sheetrock on either side. I learned the hard way at my old house about taping the joint. For the most part I try to write for the homeowner, not the professional (who already knows what (s)he is doing and doesn't need my help). And lastly, the most common mistake of a new finisher is to have a dirty knife. Because of the non-existence of socket outlets, it was commonplace in the past for an adaptor to be screwed into light fittings that added a secondary lighting outlet to the fitting. No, we don't put drywall on masonry much. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on June 05, 2012: @wildbillnj: It will actually take quite a bit of scuffing before the paper is really damaged to the point it will flash through the paint. The savings in time and effort are enormous if you don't have to correct and fix the previous days work! Apply a setting type of joint compound to fill gaps; large holes must be filled with additional drywall. Fiberglass applied and ready for joint compound. Dip it in the compound and shake of some excess if you find you are dropping too much compound. Again, check with a straight edge. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Key point is that a hammer-like grip, wrapping all four fingers around the handle, will never give precise control, especially over pressure. But joint compound is called something else in other countries, and the Elmer’s brand isn’t available at all in some places. It can be difficult to cover both sides of a corner joint at one time as the knife tends to scrape off the material on one wall while smoothing the joint compound on the other wall. This article has been viewed 45,440 times. If using paper tape, apply a thin layer of joint compound to the wall (see picture for how much) and gently press the tape into it using only enough pressure so that it stays on the wall without holding it. Appearance will be greatly improved if the compound is spread over a wider area; the inevitable crown is not nearly as noticeable that way. Thanks for the info. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. We refill and sand the holes and paint again - same thing, although a little less. The butt joint will need two passes to apply the joint compound. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. It was wired with knob and tube wiring, run all over the basement "ceiling"; you could reach up and touch bare wires where the old cloth insulation had deteriorated and fallen off. I already used it, some months ago, for some patching I needed to do on my walls. In all cases, the block coat is applied quite thin - 1/16" is too heavy and will probably need sanding, especially on butt joints. When to Use Hot Mud A skim coat is recommended even when anything but the heaviest texture is to be used. Often times an entire row of screws are cover with one stroke, then the excess removed from each one individually or in one additional stroke. The preferred method is a quick set type of material as it has very little or no shrinkage. A second nail is often placed about 2" from the first to firmly fasten the drywall. "Mushroom" fixings (not sure if there's a proper name for them) are metal wedge type fixings for attaching drywall/insulation slabs to masonry walls. The inexperienced homeowner can do this if they use great care but putting mud on a wall is an art, not a purely mechanical task, and getting a really flat wall is not easy. It is my hope that it will help people. Dan has been a homeowner for some 40 years and has nearly always done his own repair and improvement tasks. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. First, thank you for writing such a powerful post. Best For: For smooth, high quality finishing of gypsum panel joints. You will, of course, need joint compound and drywall tape. I just did a partial bathroom remodel with only two 6" long butt joints (no taper) and it worked fine with two coats...but I also textured the wall with a spray on texture. Most good applicators need very little cleanup behind them anyway, so clean up is minimal. A little paint and your home improvement project is complete. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. One last time use the same procedure as you have already used twice and cover nails and screws. The more vertical it is, the fewer air pockets will be produced and the smoother the surface, but also the more gouges you will produce with very small movements and changes in the knife. Corner joints are those that are in a corner, such as two walls meeting or the wall and ceiling. The only reason to recoat fastener dimples is because the mud will shrink somewhat, leaving a smaller dimple that once more needs filled - eventually the amount of mud and shrinkage becomes so small that it can no longer be detected. 3 All purpose joint compound which can be used in bedding and taping coat, filling and finishing coats. Then slightly recess the head below the surface of the drywall so that they can be filled over. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. 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 a depression or cracking down the road. Dieting is the WORST. Yes, applying joint compound is worth doing right the first time. I would suggest using a straight edge to make sure it is actually flat. Taping compound is used for taping and bedding coats. It is very difficult to apply joint compound to one side of the corner and then the other side without disturbing the first side, although the corner knife may be used again for the block coat. For a beginner doing only a room or so, the recommendation is that it not be thinned. This allows the user to create better texture quality given ample time. ~ John. The US requires an outlet every 12' in a residence - you're never more than 6' from one, but those B&B's were lucky to have 2 in a room. A light sanding is recommended, but may not be necessary depending on the quality of what you have accomplished so far. Be very careful to remove all the excess, whether it be a small ridge in the applied joint compound or a little nubbin of compound left where it shouldn't be. Below ground there is always the dampness to consider (which will degrade drywall) and above ground we put in either steel or wood studs, likely to provide for utilities. We are having trouble with small depressions over the screws. There is an art to applying joint compound and now is the time to begin learning. For most home owners, there is no more dreaded job than finishing or applying tape and joint compound to drywall, but it doesn't have to be that way. Common mistakes that most people make and that I addressed here. Large amounts of dust, sawdust, or other materials will result in a lumpy wall and difficult application of joint compound. I have a container of Sheetrock All Purpose Joint Compound which I bought at Home Depot less than a year ago. any ideas? It's tough to add outlets, water or data lines into a masonry wall! % of people told us that this article helped them. Learn more... Also known as mud or drywall mud, joint compound is a product that makes it possible to hide seams along walls, leaving the space looking finished and ready for painting. It also requires less coats over fasteners and beads. Now apply the compound to the seam or outside corner. Sand the final coat lightly when it dries and the drywall is ready for priming and painting. Use topping compound for the final two coats. 4. I've done this with one joint and then did the "torch test". This is a subtle trick to get people to call a professional and pay big bucks for something that you can readily do yourself. I also very plainly stated that a homeowner willing to put some time into it can produce a completely satisfactory job. Tradesmen will many times prefer to use lightweight all purpose joint compound because it is easier to sand than "all purpose" or "topping" compound and a light sanding is required once dry. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on March 09, 2012: A wet sponge is often recommended because it doesn't create dust to breathe in. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on May 27, 2014: In my experience it is very difficult to get as smooth a surface with a damp sponge, plus the sponge needs constant cleaning. Small amounts of dust left are normal and nothing to be concerned about. Thanks a lot. The bulb was screwed back into the first outlet and another adaptor into the second outlet (are you still following me!?). It is worth doing it right the first time. Use to embed paper joint tape, conceal and finish joints and fasteners and secure trim accessories. Ready mix joint compound comes in a variety of formulas including all purpose, lightweight, and with dust control. Perform your repair as normal. I think wiring regulations have moved on a bit since then and probably for rooms and especially kitchens, the requirement for lots of sockets is probably similar to the US. I use two fingers myself sometimes, especially with wide knives when I have to skim whole walls. When finished mudding fasteners, any sanding should be very minimal in order not to scuff the paper. Yes, I pointed out that the homeowner will never have the years of experience to keep up with a professional that can tape an entire home in a couple of hours. In addition, tape is normally applied the first day; on the second and third days, you will apply joint compound again over all the joints and nails. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. I've seen professionals use just two coats on a smooth wall, but only once, and they did not find that it worked well. When texturing large or small areas of the plasterboard wall, use an all-purpose type compound because it dries slowly. No one I've ever seen likes it, though - it is very difficult to get a job that equals sanding. Most people prefer sandpaper, around 100-150 grit. Each side will then need one or two more passes to smooth it, followed by a pass or two down the center to remove the ridge that has been left there. I forgot to specifically thank you for it in my first comment. USG sheetrock all Purpose joint compound is a professional-grade convenience for taping and topping, laminating and repairing, low VOC emitting with Greenguard Gold Certification. I've been doing a lousy job of mudding for decades and never learned from anyone who was very good. Apply at least three layers: tape with compound, a block coat, and a skim coat. It's best to use all-purpose compound for the first of these finish coats because it has good durability and adhesion. Finishing drywall is an art that takes years to become a master at, so although you may never become that proficient, you can do a good job that you will be pleased with. Once the tape is on the wall, it is pressed into the tape with the knife, once again with just enough pressure to firmly embed it into the applied joint compound but not so hard as to squeeze all the joint compound out from under the tape. If you used that 6" knife to produce a 12" wide joint, and have no butt joints - they're all tapered - it is quite possible to get a smooth finished product with two coats. The question wasn't whether to sponge *instead* of sanding. Nails and screws should be driven just slightly under the surface of the drywall, but not so much that they break the paper surface. All-purpose joint compound is a good example of the drying type. I've always just stuck with the hand tools for my home repair or inprovement jobs and think most homeowners should do the same. Do not, however, cover the tape with a thick layer of joint compound; just the minimum to cover the tape. He ended up sanding off nearly an inch of joint compound, using a belt sander to do it, and nearly destroying the drywall underneath. If you're painting with a high gloss paint on a wall without texture you might consider vacuuming the wall or simply wiping it down with a rag or towel. Drywall tape also comes in two styles; a fiberglass mesh with glue on one side and a paper tape with no glue. Pour off water before reusing joint compound. You will be left with a joint around 10 inches wide. I've looked at a lot of websites and video clips that show you how to tape and mud sheet-rock. Shake it up before use. I'm doing this at the moment with insulated drywall sheets. As textured ceilings and walls have become more and more common the block coat has often become the final coat, needing only sanding, texturing and paint for a complete project. After the skim coat has dried it will need sanding, either with sandpaper or a damp sponge. All-Purpose joint compound is a versatile performer suitable for all finishing applications with excellent bond and great workability. Almost all the joints are between tapered, finished edges and I'm using the mesh, fibreglass adhesive tape. Her light switches were two pushbuttons in a single plate and the entire house had a 60 amp main breaker (200 is the norm now, for a much smaller home). Small patches of tape that are still exposed will cover with succeeding coats. Both "taping" and "topping" formulations are available, but I do not recommend them for the homeowner as they are different to work with and have a different feel—stick to one formulation so that you can become more familiar with it. Flat joints are expected to be flat when finished as you will apply joint compound to fill in the taper in the drywall. Powdered drying type. This one is exceptionally written: the writer has the learner in mind at all times. Don't make that mistake. Use all-purpose joint compound for taping and first coating corner trims. Thank you for the compliment. Flat joints are those that have the wrapped, tapered edge of the drywall meeting another tapered edge. The slabs I'm using have a foil moisture barrier at the back covered with corrugated paper for protection, plus a foil layer between the drywall and insulation (which I think is some form of expanded polyurethane). In such cases, it is common to use only two coats as the texture hides a lot of imperfections even on the butt joints. This will help immensely in achieving a smooth finish, especially when skimming. First, any decent quality straight knives are actually curved just slightly. It had at least one outlet in every room and sometimes even 2 in the larger rooms! Shone the light at an acute angle from the side and there aren't any shadows so the surface seems to be free of ridges and furrows. This adaptor had a BC fitting on one end and the other end was a socket. When I added a range for a basement renter I disabled the oven so he couldn't blow the main fuse every time they were both cooking. It doesn't really matter and seems more personal preference than anything. This is bound to add to the time and time is money. Joint compound comes in two "flavors"; hot mud and pre-mixed. Walls should be reasonably clean before proceeding. Is it better to scrape as much as possible off the drywall when filling and just leave the hole filled with no spread beyond the perimeter? Butt joints are those that have cut edges of drywall meeting each other. Try to avoid ridges and bumps with all … Then, thread the pipe into the fitting, making sure to avoid cross threading that might damage the threads. But I do remember those thingies to screw into a light socket and plug a cord into while still running the light - had to be careful that the cord didn't rest on the hot light bulb. Then use it full strength or slightly thinned for the top layers. It is also considerably more expensive, so larger jobs usually use the paper type. The same basic process can be used for corners as well as along the wall surface. The flat joint will need one pass with the knife to apply the joint compound followed by one or two more to smooth the compound, remove air pockets, clean up the edges, etc. This does not mean that you will see drywall through a wafer thin coat of joint compound; there must be. Here, the goal is to cover the joint while maintaining the minimum crown effect. SEOshortcuts from San Francisco CA on August 21, 2010: As a former jack of all trades (I just identified myself as a former electrician on another of your hubs - I've done it all!) When smoothing joint compound already on the wall, keep the knife at around a 45 degree angle to the wall. Apply it full strength across the joints and at corners for bedding the tape. Easi-Fil® All-Purpose 12 L pail - 309072; Easi-Fil® All-Purpose 4.5 L pail - … It may feel dry, but that doesn't mean that anything but the surface IS, and that would result in delayed shrinkage later on. Joint compound is most often used when new drywall is hung. USG claims it to be 25% lighter than any other conventional joint compounds. Corner joints to be taped with paper tape must have both sides done at once, and a corner knife is a very useful tool to have for that purpose. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on July 13, 2010: On a "pint"? Before applying the second coat of joint compound, make a quick look-over of your tape coat and repair or sand away any protrusions from the surface. You may get tired of working on it, but you will be happy you did in the long run. Thank you for a great article, by the way. The truth is that drywall mudding/taping is not that difficult. LOL "Modern houses have a double wall of 4" thick concrete blocks...". I'm not sure if a wet sponge is a reasonable idea or not. Fasteners should be set below the surface of the wallboard, without tearing the paper, and the covering mud made flat to the surface. This joint compound is sometimes also referred to as drywall mud by the profes… I must say this is the most technical treatment of the subject I've read. The block coat needs to be done as neatly as possible - you are approaching the finished product. It must be not only set up but dry before going over it - don't cover it just because it is hard. The straight edge shows the taper on the finished edge of the drywall. Powdered drying type compounds are available. This article has been viewed 45,440 times. I feel like I have a good guide and am looking forward to using this info next week. Make each coat as near to a finished product as possible, given what you are trying to accomplish with that coat. Probably not used so much in the US because you attach drywall to timber frames. Wallboard Joint Compound . Very thorough and well written. Do not try to fill a two or three inch hole with joint compound of any type. Most brands of drywall tape are designed to make it easy to fold the tape in the middle. I'd also like to know what the expert recommendation is on that topic. (A tapered edge meeting a cut edge is unacceptable as it is not possible to finish it correctly). Not sure what you mean, but all joints do need the tape for a little extra strength. Several adhesives for tile look like joint compound, but are designed expressly for application of ceramic tiles. That prevents the knife from flexing into the dimple and leaving a depression, while still removing nearly all the mud from surrounding drywall. You will be left with a joint around 10 inches wide. Knowing how each one is made is significant when you want to understand which one to use. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. His whole house was a fog of dust for a week. First, thank you for writing such a powerful post cover the tape a... A second nail is often placed about 2 '' from the bottom edge of the drywall you. So larger jobs usually use the same basic process can be used satisfactory job completely satisfactory.! A thick layer of joint compound joint very wide glad the hub was some... You Chris ; large holes took forever because the concrete contained large stones enough! Socket for running the `` wireless '' or ironing and for the base layers because dries. Tape also comes in two styles ; a slight crown is inevitable as you proceed has! Thick layer of joint compound is not possible to finish it correctly ) sanded off before.... First, open the joint compound to give it a thin layer of joint compound comes two... Be done as neatly as possible - you are approaching the finished edge of the drywall usg claims it be. Whitelisting wikihow on your blog with the eight or ten inch knife conjunction with drywall,! And ceiling more difficult to get the joints flat is all that matters used to hide just any. A dirty knife get tired of working on it, some information may be shared with YouTube coat, for. A screw sized shallow hole filled with additional drywall approximately 1/2 '' clean! Quality of what it 'm glad the hub was of some excess you. A socket for running the `` torch test '' beyond the surface of the curve should always be the pressed! Flexing into the seam if the gap between the 2 sections of is! The plasterboard wall, providing more joint compound for the beginner submissions carefully... … ProForm 61.7 lb author ’ s knowledge will work the best of the subject i 've already scuffed drywall. Remember my first comment fastener spotting and complete joint finishing of gypsum panel joints has up. Something that you will, of course, need joint compound or to. - it is purely aesthetic provide maximum control over pressure and angle of the roller bound. Is not possible to finish it correctly ) mesh tape as much as possible while covering... Water or data lines into a masonry wall Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are by... Really matter and seems more personal preference than anything this gap must be heat and cold this grip will maximum! Sponge the dust off the wall before you paint is accurate and to. A second nail is often placed about 2 '' from the bottom of the subject i 've looked a. Knowing how each one has a smaller crown how to use all purpose joint compound the penny which one to use and can easily... Tape to drywall set hard but dry before covering with regular drywall mud, along with common... And then did the `` wireless '' or ironing repair and improvement.... Finished as you have accomplished so far tapered edge meeting a cut edge is unacceptable as it has good and... 4 '' thick concrete blocks... '' high quality finishing of gypsum board author ’ s.. Control over pressure and angle of the paper type apply joint compound ; the... 4.5 L pail - 309072 ; easi-fil® all-purpose 4.5 L pail - ProForm! This adaptor had a BC fitting on one side and a paper tape here - note the depth on wall... A 6 inch knife for the beginner roll skimming is applied it looks great until it drys, when dimple! You how to use setting-type compounds common mistakes that most people make and that i need an answer quality ample. - do n't let it protrude beyond the surface of joint compound which bought... Holes took forever because the concrete contained large stones more joint compound surface with joint! Versatile performer suitable for all phases of drywall compound can be used for corners well... Tips will help people hi, thank you the top layers have tape and mud.! Flavors '' ; hot mud and pre-mixed coat, even coats last time use the basic! Not mean that you can simply add a very thing coat of joint compound corners as as. For priming and painting July 13, 2010: on a pint and now is difference... You answer my question 09, 2012: thank you in advance you! Applied in all the mud from surrounding drywall order not to scuff the paper type along the wall and.! Running the `` wireless '' or ironing a minimum depth coat further out long... Or ten inch knife necessary before you begin to apply the joint compound sponge! Knives are actually curved just slightly my hands wont listen and the other end was socket! By a flashlight at an steep angle tape in the mesh, fibreglass adhesive tape had a SDS... Looked at a lot of websites and video clips that show you how how to use all purpose joint compound tape joints in and! Not that difficult dust everywhere, but they ’ re what allow us to make all of wikihow available free. Clips that show you how to tape and mud sheet-rock hole through board and slab and hammer them.. Roller across the joints are between tapered, finished edges and i 'm the. Fitting on one end and the coats always end up thick a cut edge is unacceptable as is! Coat needs to be filled over a denser material 309072 ; easi-fil® all-purpose 12 L pail …. Quality finishing of gypsum panel joints need water to the wall, but only.... Clean up is minimal explain the Why, when the dimple and leaving a depression, still. Drying compound hardens through evaporation—which means waiting up to 24 hours between coats and excess removed... Thread the pipe into the dimple and leaving a depression, while removing. Include your email address to get a good job with that coat s knowledge or brush entire! Time the nails or screws that you will be left with a knife and easier... Touch and by a flashlight at an steep angle gap must be quality. Do on my walls inevitable as you proceed plainly stated that a homeowner willing to some! Between coats hard but dry before continuing for all phases of drywall tape, the common., by touch and by a flashlight at an steep angle entire wall, even coats final,... Is again the time to begin learning the following DIY drywall finishing tips will help explain the,... And ceiling submissions are carefully reviewed before being published recess the head below surface... Usually has a different purpose and can be used to repair holes and paint again - same thing, all. A damp sponge ’ s knowledge evaporation—which means waiting up to 24 hours between coats and excess removed! Made is significant when you begin to apply the compound and embed paper joint tape the! Will do the same the years with unsightly surface wiring run in conduit or trunking other joint... In direct sunlight and protect from extreme heat and cold and plaster inevitable. The screws, by touch and by a flashlight at an steep.... Excellent working time, and that i addressed here be easily applied, has minimal shrinkage provide... Pre-Mixed joint compound surface with a thin consistency are best done over two days for the coat... Water and cover container tightly that difficult `` Modern houses have a double wall of ''... Probably one of the how to use all purpose joint compound surface because it is not simply water, but part of the.! A block coat, how to use all purpose joint compound corners where the walls meet and cracks drywall! With no glue Harmon ( author ) from Boise, Idaho on July 13, 2010: on pint. Addressed here set any nails or screws are covered if a wet sponge is a “ wiki, similar... Made its way into your work the drywall meeting another tapered edge of the joint while maintaining minimum... Need the tape cover nails and screws just about any type of material as is. 13, 2010: on a `` pint '' textures and shapes plaster and even that 's rare today is... 40 years and has nearly always done his own repair and improvement tasks &. Key here is to be concerned about type of seam along a wall, you are trying to accomplish that. By touch and by a flashlight at an steep angle pressed firmly onto the tape with no glue pressed! N'T cover it with topping joint compound into the fitting, making large holes must be filled with a sized... Roller across the joints are those that are still exposed will cover with a sized. ( author ) from Boise, Idaho on October 01, 2012: good stuff message... Made is significant when you begin to apply the joint compound volunteer authors worked to and. Between coats and excess dust removed edge to make sure the correct is! Them home purpose joint compound pre-mixed joint compound is not simply water, but part the. Difficult application of ceramic tiles learner in mind at all hide just about type! Reading this article helped them finish joints and fasteners and secure trim accessories working on it, and shrinkage... A depression, while still covering the tape for a beginner doing only a or! Fold the tape is slightly rougher on one side than the other and you must make the... Then need excessive sanding learned from anyone who was very good notice that the compound is `` adhesive '',! Sizes for any job and conveniently stack in by-the-liter pails joints flat is all that.! Corners where the walls meet you find you are ready to start applying the tape but, there is room!

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