Before tiling a shower, any exposed backerboard-drywall joints need finishing.
Bathrooms typically have drywall everywhere except for places where tile is installed. Instead of drywall, builders use tile backerboard to underlay tile installations. If the piece of backerboard the builder installs is larger than the area that will receive tile, there will be an exposed joint where the backerboard meets the nearby drywall. To hide this joint, you need to embed paper tape over it with joint compound. After installing the tape, you need to hide it with another coat of joint compound.
Instructions
1. Remove any stickers or labels that are on the backerboard within 12 inches of the joint.
2. Use a pencil to mark where you plan to install the first row of tiles. The goal is to identify all joints or sections of joints that the tile will not cover, so you can hide them.
3. Use a 6-inch drywall knife to cut away any damaged portions on either the drywall or backerboard. If you have difficulty cutting the backerboard, use a utility knife to slice the string mesh that holds the concrete of the backerboard. Then pull away the broken pieces of concrete by hand.
4. Combine quick-setting joint compound with room-temperature water in a 5-gallon bucket. The exact amounts you use will depend on the compound manufacturer's instructions and the size of your project. Add the powder slowly to the water while constantly mixing with a stirring tool in your other hand.
5. Cover the vertical joint between the backerboard and the drywall with a generous coat of joint compound. Use the 6-inch knife to make a wide, even layer.
6. Cut a piece of paper drywall tape to size and place it over the joint. Wipe the tape hard with the 6-inch drywall knife to remove the extra joint compound. Try not to let the tape wrinkle.
7. Coat and tape any tiny horizontal joints or sections of joints that the tile will not cover. Use your pencil line as a guide. Some common locations are at the top and bottom of the vertical joint. Less common locations are near the middle of the vertical joint.
8. Allow everything to dry. The length of time this will take depends on the type of quick-setting joint compound you use. Look on the package for exact times.
9. Make a new batch of quick-setting joint compound.
10. Use a 12-inch drywall knife to apply thick, smooth layers of joint compound over the paper tape and the drywall side of the vertical joint. There is no need to build up the area where you will later install tile. Allow the joint compound to dry.
11. Sand the area with 100-grit sandpaper until it is smooth. If the area still looks rough, you can keep applying thin coats of joint compound until the roughness disappears.
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