How to Use Joint Compound

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Use Joint Compound Use Joint Compound

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Joint compound does what its name implies - it fills joints between drywall. Here's how to use it correctly, as well as a few tips on other helpful uses for this stuff.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Joint Knives
  • Drywall Joint Tape
  • Sandpaper

Step1
Finish a drywall joint by applying joint compound directly to the joint with a joint knife. The layer should be about 1/8 inch thick.
Step2
Smooth a strip of joint tape over the area. (Tape with adhesive doesn't require the first layer of joint compound.) Press the tape down firmly with a joint knife, squeezing out air bubbles and excess compound.
Step3
Let it dry. This could take up to 24 hours.
Step4
Sand any areas that poke up and cut off any tape that sticks out or has obvious bubbles under it.
Step5
Apply a thin coat of joint compound about 6 inches wide over the taped area.
Step6
Let that layer dry.
Step7
Sand the compound down so it's smooth and flat.

Tips & Warnings

  • Joint compound can also be used to fill knotholes and deep dents in wood that will be painted.
  • Patch a hole in a finished wall with a little bit of joint compound and some joint tape. (See "How to Patch a Hole in Drywall" under Related eHows.)
  • Repair a missing piece of plaster with a gob of joint compound. Let it dry completely and sand it down to the needed shape.

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eHow Article:  How to Use Joint Compound

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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