Poorly applied drywall compound makes a mess instead of smooth, seamless joints.
Drywall joint compound is combined with paper or mesh tape to make smooth, seamless joints between sheets that won't crack over time. It is applied with tools that look like extra wide putty knives. After the compound sets and hardens, it is sanded smooth and after painting, no one will be able to tell where the joint is.
Clean Walls
Use a broom to sweep accumulated construction dust off of walls. Sections of the drywall that were cut can have small particles of loose gypsum that will make a mess of the compound. Sweeping the floors around the walls to remove small particles of gypsum and other debris will keep it out of the compound.
Fluff It Up
A paddle mixer and 1/2-inch drill make it easy to fluff up pre-mixed compound. After thorough mixing, it will go on smoother and more easily. Don't over-mix the compound, however--just run the paddle mixer long enough to thoroughly remix it.
Fiberglass Tape
Fiberglass mesh tape sticks to the joint, allowing you to cover the tape with the first coat of compound easily. The first coat of compound over mesh tape should be standard formula drywall compound, which comes as a dry mix. It hardens like rock in a short period, so you can apply a second or third coat the same day, but you have to be quick. The standard mix is not for beginners and it can't be sanded.
Clean Tools
Never try to use a tool that has hardened compound or other substances on it. Clean the tools thoroughly and the job will be much easier. Keep a five-gallon bucket three-quarters full of water close by to clean your tools frequently. Keeping your hands and tools clean keeps debris out of the compound.
Clean Compound
Use a large spatula or extra 6-inch knife to move compound from the bucket to your work tray. This keeps any debris out of the bucket that may have been picked up on your work knife. Grooves that form in the compound during application indicate debris on the knife or in the compound. If that happens, clean your tools, empty your work bucket and get some fresh compound to work with.
Fast-Setting Compound
If your time is limited and the area is small, you can use a fast-setting, lightweight compound mix in order to apply more than one coat in a day. They're sold as dry mixes; you add water and mix them with a paddle mixer and drill. Be aware that the time shown on the package is not the working time, but the final set time.
First Application
A 6-inch knife is good for the first coat. Fill the depression between two drywall sheets with compound starting at the bottom and working toward the top. Use the same knife to embed paper tape into the joint compound with with just enough compound to press it in and smooth it out.
Additional Coats
Each additional coat should use a progressively wider knife--10 and 12 inches for second and third coats, respectively. The blades should be fairly flexible so that the compound is feathered onto the joint edges. Professionals may get by with just two coats, but plan on three.
Inside Corners
You can buy special corner knives for inside corners but you don't need them. Apply a first coat on both sides of the inside corner and embed the tape. For second and third coats, apply compound on just one side and allow it to set before applying the other side.
Between Coats
Use a wide, flexible knife between coats to remove ridges and bumps. You shouldn't have to sand the joints between coats, just knock off the rough bumps and ridges with a long knife. Sweep up the debris before you start applying more compound.
Final Coat
Adding a little water--see package instructions--to lightweight joint compound will make it go on smoother. Use a paddle mixer to mix the water in and bring it to a creamy consistency. Once dried and sanded, the surface is extremely smooth.
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