How to Mud the Second Coat for Drywall

Drywall is a challenging home improvement. Even if you get the best tips from a professional, it doesn't mean your project is going to look perfect. Drywall finishing is a delicate eye-hand coordination project.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Joint compound
• Drywall tape
• Straightedge
• 6-inch taping knife
• 12-inch mud knife
• 4-inch corner knife

1. Make sure the first coat of mud has dried completely. You will put the second coat of mud over the tape.

2. Start at the top of the wall. Use a wide putty knife of at least 4 inches. Spread a generous amount of mud over the taped seam.

3. Examine the area of the tape—-make sure there is enough mud to create a rise over the tape.

4. Take long strokes with the putty knife and apply pressure more on the sides of the tape than on the tape directly. This will leave extra mud on the tape.

5. Check that the mud is spread 2 to 3 inches from the center of the tape on both sides.

6. Splatter more mud on the screw or nail dimples on the drywall. Don't forget to put a second coat on these areas.

7. Spread a second coat of mud on the corners of the wall with a corner knife. Take your time in the corners, they are tricky.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make long even strokes from the ceiling to the floor.
• The second coat is not about perfection. The second coat is about hiding the tape and preventing screws or nails from popping out.
• It is important to protect your skin, eyes and lungs with adequate safety equipment.