How to Tape Drywall

Drywall tape (called "mudding & taping") is where you either make your drywall job look really good or really bad.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drywall tape.
• Spackling compound.
• Trowel.
• Sandpaper.

1. Lay a strip of drywall tape along the seam of two pieces of drywall.

2. With a trowel, spread a thin layer of spackling compound over the seam & tape. Allow to dry.

3. With the sandpaper, sand the dry compound smooth.

4. Apply another layer of spackling and allow to dry.

5. Sand the compound smooth.

6. Repeast steps 4-5 until the seam is perfectly level with the rest of the drywall.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a long straightedge/level to check the seam against the surrounding drywall. If it's too low, apply more spackling.
• Or you can shine a flashlight down a wall with the lights out to see high/low spots.
• Sanding can create a lot of drywall dust. Use adequate ventillation and dust masks.

[jstephani]

on 2/8/2008 I would hartily sugest that before laying the tape on the seam, that you fill the joint and apply a thin coat of mud. Then if you are using paper tape, run the tape over your mud supply to make sure it is moist. If you don't do this you run the risk of the tape pealing off or the seam cracking.

[TDPhoenix]

on 2/6/2008 What type of tape should i use ?