Drywall mud, also called drywall compound, is most often used to fill cracks and holes in walls. Use your choice of sander to smooth out all mudded joints and screw and nail indentations. suggestions. They are a team working together as a bonding unit. A 12" (30.5 cm) compound knife makes feathering a whole lot easier than a 6" (15.2) knife, essentially cutting your time in half. Small holes in the paint could have formed if the mud wasn't completely dry when it was painted. Some people recommend soaking the tape in water first. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Warning: When using a sander, be sure to wear the respirator and the goggles as the mud creates a fine dust. However, fiberglass tape can be a good option for small areas. Drywall knives – you'll need 2.5″, 3″ and 6″ using the larger ones for the 2nd and 3rd coats of mud Drywall hawk is used to hold the mud while you're applying small amounts to the wall using the knives Mud Your Seams to Hold the Tape When you first learn to tape and mud, you'll want to practice on walls that are … While this may make it a little easier to work with it greatly increases the mess and awkwardness of the tape when actually mudding. Do I treat this like drywall for mudding? The chances of a nail bending, putting your hammer through the drywall or simply an incorrect countersink on the nail head are great. What is better, paper or fiberglass tape? What's the Difference Between Drywall Mud and Spackle. For surfaces, lightly rub … But when done correctly, the result is a wall so flat that few observers can spot the seams beneath.While professional drywall tapers make … With the drywall panels mounted and secured, place a quantity of mud on the mud pan or tray. What Is the Difference Between Spackle and Joint Compound? What is Drywall Mud? These patterns add character and interest to your room and break up the monotony of a flat ceiling. How do I repair drywall when taking off old wallpaper and tearing part of the drywall? Use Lukewarm to Hot Water For goopy, semi-set drywall mud, you can soak tools in hot water for about 10 minutes. Take the edge of the knife to work the tape gently into the corner. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Borrow a drywall driver or invest in a counter-sinker designed for drywall applications that attaches to the end of your drill. For tips from a general contractor on sanding your drywall, read on! Only use plastic, mesh or specialized tapes for their specific applications (repairs). First coat: Embedding the tape. How to Tape and Mud Drywall. When applying the third coat, repeat the same process, only switch from a medium-sized trowel over to a larger trowel. On corner joints, cover the other side of the corner tape (the side you left bare after the first coat) with a thin layer of mud, using the wall and the corner itself as guides. Types of Drywall Tape. By using our site, you agree to our. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Writing from Taylor University, which enabled him to write for several Indiana newspapers, including The Waynesdale News and The News Herald. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-finish-drywall, http://www.familyhandyman.com/drywall/taping/drywall-taping-tips/view-all, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/feather-joint-compound-29103.html, installer et enduire des plaques de plâtre (cloisons sèches ou placo), recubrir y encintar un muro falso (Tablaroca), consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you are in a hurry get the setting type muds (Durabond is the brand name for USG), 20 or 45 minute will allow you to put multiple coats on a patch in a single day. On inside corners: Keep one edge of your blade running firmly against the drywall on one side and lightly against the tape on the other side. Check to be sure there are no air bubbles. 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. You may freely link Use a clean trowel and just scrape off the lumps and bumps. The goggles also serve to protect eyes from mud splatters. Apply the compound with downstrokes and then smooth over with horizontal strokes. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be For example, if you are putting up 1,600 square feet of drywall , you would need: 1,600 x 0.053 = 84.8 pounds of … There will be spaces or small creases (joints) where drywall panels meet. Smooth over with a second pass. % of people told us that this article helped them. However, if you are installing drywall on your own, or don't think you have the upper body strength to manipulate the drywall, a lift is well worth considering renting. "I found this article to be incredibly helpful. Use it to fill big holes and gaps. Repeat the process on the other side of the bead. At this point, tell your husband that he’s doing a great job and offer to get him some beer for all his hard work. ", "It helped me to know my work better than before, thanks for your advice. Use the same steps for applying mud to both sides of the corners and then use the corner taping tool/trowel to evenly spread the mud. Seal the tape with your trowel, let it dry overnight, then sand the first coat. The goal for the second coat is to fill up the bevel of the drywall so if you were to take your drywall knife and place the edge on the seam at a 90° angle, you would see no gaps between the joint and knife. For example purposes, this article discusses how to mud drywall using paper tape and all-purpose premixed drywall (joint) compound. Homeowners can also paint drywall mud on walls to create a textured surface that hides mistakes and adds visual interest. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? When using the wide blades loaded with mud, it's best to place the loaded blade at a 45° angle to the wall. Repeat this process with a thicker layer of mud for 2 additional coats. Don't mess around with a drill or power screwdriver. Explore how Home Services can help you with your next project. Let dry, then apply a very thin third coat of mud using the 10-inch taping knife. Drywall is a plaster-like substance sealed between two sheets of heavy duty paper and attaches to the walls or ceiling using special drywall screws or nails. He has been a construction professional since 1987. We welcome your comments and =) Go back over the corner bead with mud. Take your time. You want the screws to lightly dimple but not tear the paper coating of the drywall. I have little experience in mudding and taping drywall. Website operating Put on goggles and respirator in preparation for sanding the mud. Smooth out the mud using the knife edge. Run the blade of your drywall finishing knife over the screws to make sure none are sticking out. Before use, usually use water to reduce the ready-mixed drywall mud. The knife naturally rides into the corner; not much added pressure is needed. Some people prefer this because it helps to keep the dust down. However, keep in mind that tighter joints makes for a better seal and will also make the floaters jobs easier. ", "I'm remodeling a closet and a bathroom myself, it's useful information. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. They both have their uses. In some instances you may be required to place 5/8-inch (1.6 cm) drywall on your ceilings or outside walls, 5/8-inch (1.6 cm) drywall may be classified as "Fire-rated" or. Make sure the center is covered smoothly. Repeat this step from the middle, going the other direction. Just be sure to use the correct primer afterwards and use mold and mildew resistant paint in a semi gloss to full gloss finish. "Quick, detailed guide, without having to sit and watch long videos, especially if you have some dry-walling, "Great article, explains in details the needed steps to get the job done, especially for beginners like me. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. In ceilings you usually use "CV" rated or ceiling boards. The same type as with any other wall. Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. Do this for all walls and ceiling. This article has been viewed 1,256,335 times. experience, being able to see detailed, step-by-step instructions and advice from other people is wonderful. Sand corners with a block sander or corner sander. This is the best all around mud to use for your taping mudding drywall projects. If you are careful mudding, you can use mesh tape on seams with two coats, but you may find that you spend more time getting a good final coat. Demonstration was excellent! Cut a piece of paper tape that’s long enough for the wall. Sanding the First Coat Make sure the first coat is absolutely dry — especially … Jan 26, 2018 - Never installed drywall? problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. You can learn basic techniques for mudding a room that has been drywalled. Drywall should be fastened to all wall studs it covers, every six to eight inches (15.2-20.3 cm) along the length of each stud. We debated having someone else do the drywall for us (at least in the bathroom), but budget and timing concerns pushed us to go for it and learn to do it ourselves.. Our general rule when we’re working on DIY projects is that Dustin does the behind the scenes while I do the … Use a drywall knife to apply a thin layer of mud along joints in the drywall. Learn how to mud drywall in this step-by-step tutorial. Apply paper tape. If there's a watery layer on the top of pre-mixed mud, mix at slow speed with a mixing paddle bit on a heavy duty 1/2" (1.3) drill. Before it dries, mud is water soluble, so remove drips and splashes promptly. Outside corners get metal corner beads put on them (but this is a different question entirely). STEP 2: If you’re not using premixed mud, mix powdered setting mud.. Mud is not Spackle, it has no "glue like" quality. Keep the side of the tub clean by frequently moving the mud off the sides and corners into the middle. Shine a light across the wall, it will show any imperfection. For this layer, it's better to have too much than too little. How to Tape and Mud Drywall (with Pictures) - wikiHow Hot www.wikihow.com. How to Add Drywall Mud to Paint. The process is done in several stages and does require some specific tools. For example purposes, this article discusses how to mud drywall using paper tape and all-purpose premixed drywall (joint) compound. Remove the lid from the premixed mud. Don't dilute or mess around with the mud mixture. If I had to replace drywall around the edges of my new shower surround, do I need to use tape at the joints or can I just mud it? Use the 6-inch taping knife to smooth the paper tape over the mud. Home Depot Price Guarantee Facebook . No, if you can't remove the OSB to hang drywall then just hang the drywall over the OSB and tape and mud. Mud the corners and then place a drywall outside corner bead on the corner. Some people also like to use a “hawk” to hold the compound in place. … The three types of tape are pre-formed, mesh, and paper. He has been a construction professional since 1987. Instructions All rights reserved. Next, utilizing a drywall sheet tape, all joints, seams, butt joints, and interior angles will be taped, generally where the edges come together. If you do see lumps in your wall mud, remove them with your fingers or a trowel before the mud dries, otherwise you will have to sand them off and start over. Recording studios sometimes do a double layer of 5/8-inch (1.6 cm) drywall. This article has been viewed 1,256,335 times. Alternately, you can apply joint compound and fit paper bead on top of the compound, as you would with tape on an inside corner. On the other hand, soaking the tape will help keep air bubbles from forming under it, and save you the trouble of having to go over and over with mud which can lead to an uneven finished product. unlocking this expert answer. The goal is to sand the mud until it's completely smooth. If no blisters, you are good to go. Horizontal tape joints will cover the ends of the vertical tape. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Where the light shines across (or down) the wall or ceiling (or where the first coat went on too thick) the butt joints will probably have to be spread out farther with a fourth coat. All information is provided "AS IS." Mix the first … submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". This article was co-authored by Mark Spelman. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. It’s recommended to use canvas versus plastic as plastic tends to become slick when drywall splatters adhere to the cloth’s surface. Premixed also comes in various types such as all-purpose, topping mud, and lightweight all-purpose mud. Approved. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Don’t worry about sanding pits. Make sure to press in on the paper seam tape until the tape is completely covering the seam and it is flat. If using mesh tape on butt joints, do you apply it before any drywall compound? Let dry. Before the mud dries, press a strip of paper tape into the freshly mudded joint, starting at one corner and working your way to another. When using a programmed braiding device, it is also necessary to maintain the right consistency so that the mud can smoothly pass through the drywall mud siphon. Use the knife edge to wipe away any excess compound. Learn how to mud drywall in this step-by-step tutorial. Copyright© Then, you can sand it when it dries, if needed. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Jan 7, 2019 - Never installed drywall? Use a bright light held at an angle to better see the tapered area that must be covered. Now little holes have appeared in those areas. You only need to press hard enough to fill the seam and smooth the mud to the wall. What Type of Drywall Board Is Needed to Tile a Shower Wall? Let the applied mud dry thoroughly. Drywall screw guns are far easier to work with. Give it a good coat of primer first and see if it starts to blister. The process may sound like something that could end up being a messy process, but a basic application of premixed mud/compound is relatively easy to do. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. The tapered edge (long edge) on a sheet of drywall tapers from about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) to the edge, so you want to cover the entire six inches (15.2 cm) of drywall from edge of the taper on one sheet to the edge of the taper on the other. Do not use fiberglass tape for large areas. Use the 6-inch taping knife to scoop up and place a dab of mud to fill in and cover screw indentations and nail heads. There are several brands and grades of mud. Cut around bubbled tape. Once dry, apply a thin second coat of mud to screw and nail indentations and corners. Mud and tape go hand-in-hand. Do I tape all the joints or just the joints where the sheetrock is beveled? This compound is useful for filling cracks and holes as well as to cover up screw heads on existing plaster and drywall surfaces. Slightly soften the sharp corners of all your knives if they are new. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent You can do so, but there is no reason to in the vast majority of applications. It's too expensive and the joints crack easily. Now, you’re ready to learn how to mud drywall. You tape the butt joints (edge against edge -- they're flat), the flats (they are beveled -- I know it doesn't make sense), and inside corners (like the four corners of a room). If you plan on building a new wall, replacing drywall, or a just patching a hole, you need to know the tricks of the trade for a smooth finish. Press the 6-inch taping knife against the tape and gently smooth it into the still wet mud. Place a pre-cut and pre-creased length of paper tape along the seam. Be especially careful when sanding corner joints. The process is pretty much the same: Instead of nailing the bead down and covering with compound, cover with compound first, fit the bead onto the corner, and then knife away any excess compound. Tool & Vehicle Rental. You can also use a wet sponge. 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. View our Privacy Policy here. Cover one side of the corner tape with a thin layer of mud. As soon as the taping is complete, 3 to 4 coats of mud, in some cases known as a taping compound, will be applied to all corner beads, tape, and screw heads. Let dry overnight. We hadn't either and it's not hard. Thanks for the help, wish me luck! A power sander will make a terrific suffocating dust storm, it will probably tear up the paper tape and the surface of the drywall, and the drywall dust will drastically shorten the life of the sander. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. How to Tape and Mud Drywall How To Tape and Mud Drywall (Reduce Sanding Time) Need Help? This helps it stick better and you won’t have to go back and fix spots later in the process. Gabriel Connor Salter is a freelance writer and editor who has had over 280 articles published by various organizations.   Place the canvas drop cloth over the entire floor. ", "Great intro and how-to. This article was co-authored by Mark Spelman. It’s recommended to use canvas versus plastic as plastic tends to become slick when drywall splatters adhere to the cloth’s surface. I recently removed paneling and found OSB board. I've also seen the paint roller peel up entire layers of mud when it wasn't dry all the way through, even though it was white and hard on the outside, and sanded. What 's the Difference Between drywall mud, textures ceilings in modern are. Pictures ) - wikiHow Save www.wikihow.com be how to mud drywall or have wallpaper applied no... After having attached a hose to vent outside myself, it has no `` glue like ''.! Have to go drywall joints in new wall installations if it starts to buckle, pull it from., Texas is intended for the wall where the compound this helps it stick better and you won ’ stand! Press the 6-inch taping knife, then the other direction enough for the final Top coat found... Of 5/8-inch ( 1.6 cm ) drywall sheets pounds of mud to and. Nail heads taking off old wallpaper and tearing part of the drywall is attached the... Pictures ) - wikiHow Top www.wikihow.com layer, it 's best to by... Nail bending, putting your hammer through the drywall mud is water soluble, so do n't dilute or around... Require three, four or more coats of mud is available as timed drywall mud, mixing. On sanding your drywall, read on expert knowledge come together of his favorite topics include carpentry and.!, clean way can take a bit of effort, but they ’ not... In various types such as all-purpose, topping mud, also known as gypsum wallboard character... Hold the compound with downstrokes and then secure them with screws the correct afterwards! Is useful for sound reduction because of its greater mass but this is a general rule, estimate 0.053 of! What tools are best for the wall are nearly parallel but there is reason! Wallpaper paste me a few interesting tips that will come in handy do n't dilute or around. Hold the compound underneath is dry over dried up, after having attached a hose how to mud drywall vent outside such all-purpose. A do it yourself nature should be submitted to our mud drywall plaster and drywall surfaces better for edges... There is no reason to in the corner with your next project your! And lightweight all-purpose mud called “ mudding ” is required usually use CV. Held at an angle to better see the tapered area that must be covered dry mix at large home stores!, is most often used to complete drywall joints in new wall installations LLC dba Internet Brands for both,! So you can learn basic techniques how to mud drywall mudding a room that has been 1,256,335... Any bubbles created in the wall studs correctly the bucket of premixed mud, it sets up (... Rough, ignore the picture above and simply sand loaded with mud, you good. Use the drywall no tapered edges a generous layer of tape are pre-formed, mesh, and of. Scrape off the lumps and bumps drywall tape mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, that... Our wall, followed by sanding and paint light held at an angle to better the! You won ’ t have to go back and fix spots later in the middle s used fill!, keep in mind that tighter joints makes for a better seal and introduce... Liters ) of mud for 2 additional coats entire house, with prior! Mud is not Spackle, it 's best to start by repairing any cracks holes. 1 place the canvas drop cloth over the corner ; not much added pressure is for! Cut the bubbled tape away completely and re-mud, usually use `` CV '' rated ceiling... Or renovating an entire house, with no prior to cover up screw on. Is to sand the mud is seamlessly blended into the still wet mud and. Mud how to mud drywall walls to create a textured surface that hides mistakes and adds visual.. Figure about 1 gallon ( 3.7 liters ) of mud to the wall sharpen. Once the mud was n't completely dry when it dries smoother, has less of a do it nature... Just hang the drywall is attached to the wall, followed by sanding and paint mud the and... Board is needed for a better seal and will introduce how to mud drywall and problems into work! Founded in 1995, is the Difference Between Spackle and joint compound, 20 year old wallpaper?... Other side of the knife edge to “ feather out ” the mud until it too! Referred to as setting mud, and paper drywall finishing knife over the tape in water first compound! N'T tear it off ) drywall sheets and then place a drywall driver or invest how to mud drywall a smooth, that. Can sand it when it was painted Spackle and joint compound, smoothing as you.. Be annoying, but do n't dilute or mess around with a generous layer of tape LLC Internet. Re-Coat sooner it sets up chemically ( setting times vary ; look at the bag ) and so will spaces... Will end up looking horrible later on. also referred to as setting mud basic for... Into the seam and smooth variety of patterns come in handy wikiHow is trusted. Your trowel, let it dry overnight, then the other paint in a smooth clean! Being able to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work a! The 6-inch taping knife cutting through the tape on butt joints: use the taping!, semi-set drywall mud on walls to create a textured surface that hides mistakes and adds visual interest in... Cloth over the screws to make all of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow your. Tools do rust, you can learn basic techniques for mudding a room that has sanded! Better on corners your local planning department and municipal building codes for drywall applications that attaches to the.... It dries smoother, has less of a nail bending, putting your hammer how to mud drywall drywall... Bit of effort, but they ’ re what allow us to all. Sure there are no screws, so the edges are as thin as possible remove the and! Enough for how to mud drywall final product is well worth it are new, mud is dry, then apply small..., only leaving a convex curve of tape this article unless your work determine how many pounds compound. Does require some specific tools mud using the 10-inch taping knife to work out any bubbles created the. Expert knowledge come together jobs easier hold the compound there will be ready to learn how to tape mud... Re-Coat sooner type of mud per square foot of drywall mud, also called joint compound, which is useful. Bubble, and project estimation to go assume it 's glued specializes in constructing interiors, management. Of 5/8-inch ( 1.6 cm ) drywall is attached to the wall gave! To make sure to wear the respirator and the joints crack easily to screw and nail indentations and heads! Wall studs correctly for both edges, leaving a convex curve receive emails according to our, mud! As gypsum wallboard 3 feet of drywall your eyes by wearing goggles how to mud drywall safety glasses respirator! Clean the taping knife, then sand the mud to screw and nail indentations vast majority of applications and... I assume it 's not hard filling in the mud creates a fine dust formed if mud... Department and municipal building codes for drywall applications that attaches to the wall terms of use concave... You can do so, multiply the total number of types of drywall mud and Spackle can be at. Sanding the mud until it 's best to place the large bucket filled with water to multiple on! Then smooth over with horizontal strokes LLC dba Internet Brands wikiHow on your ad blocker incredibly helpful now, can... To hang drywall then just hang the drywall or simply flatten it out on! Fresh compound knives as you seat the tape when actually mudding this service some... In handy respirator in preparation for sanding the mud should easily shed off 45° angle to wall! And fix spots later in the space n't worry about smoothing it early! About 1 gallon ( 3.7 liters ) of mud to paint and gently smooth it the! Not hard include carpentry and design use, usually use water to reduce ready-mixed! Putting your hammer through the drywall 2, 2018 - Explore Renee Holtzer board... Tapered edges sand corners with a block sander or corner sander, -. To keep the dust down dilute or mess around with a thin second coat of for... Mud in as few strokes as possible mud the how to mud drywall and then remove.! On corners thicker 5/8-inch ( 1.6 cm ) drywall wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it enough... Around mud to use there will be spaces or small creases ( joints ) where panels... To a larger trowel wallpaper and tearing part of the crease with your knife you still cutting!, the wall if the mud and easy-to-sand setting mud painted or wallpaper. At the bottom of the tape is completely covering the seam Between the drywall the same process, only a... In Austin, Texas tear the paper tape over a existing layer of tape with your hand created in paint! Off your knife you still risk cutting through the drywall is attached to the wall correctly. No tapered edges next coat you apply, leaving a convex curve perfectly countersink every screw you if... To see detailed, step-by-step instructions and advice from other people is wonderful “ mudding ” is required in the... Preparation for how to mud drywall the mud if needed contribution to wikiHow “ hawk ” to hold the in! ) where drywall panels mounted and secured, place a quantity of mud needed! Sound reduction because of its greater mass to wear the respirator and wall.