How to Use Joint Compound

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.

Things You'll Need

• Joint Knives
• Drywall Joint Tape
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. 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.

2. 

   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.

3. Let it dry. This could take up to 24 hours.

4. Sand any areas that poke up and cut off any tape that sticks out or has obvious bubbles under it.

5. 

   Apply a thin coat of joint compound about 6 inches wide over the taped area.

6. Let that layer dry.

7. 

   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.