How to Apply Compound on Drywall

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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To finish or patch an area of drywall, you must apply joint compound to cover the seams, nails or holes. Mudding, as it is sometimes called, takes practice and patience. It is a good skill to learn as most home owners or renters will have the need to patch a wall at some point.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Painter's plastic
Joint compound
Compound knife
Mud pan

Step1

Lay the painter's plastic on the floor so that it covers your entire work area.

Step2

Check the drywall to be sure that it's hung with its seams tightly pressed together. Also check that all the screws are counter sunk. This means that the screws have been placed so that they lay just under the flat of the drywall sheet.

Step3

Transfer the drywall compound into the mud pan. Put just enough so that the pan is easy for you to hold in one hand so you can use your other to apply the compound. Whip the compound you purchased until it has the consistency of cake frosting.

Step4

Scoop up a generous amount of drywall compound with your compound knife and apply it towards the bottom of the area you are covering.

Step5

Swipe the compound with an upward motion and scrape the excess off and back into the pan. Then swipe with a downward motion to make the mud level and smooth. The compound should cover the sunk-in screws and the seams without being thick or lumpy.

Step6

Install a second coat before the first dries if needed. Two compound layers will dry with no problem. If necessary you can install a third layer, but you must wait until the first two layers dry.

Step7

Blend in the outer areas to make them smooth and flat by feathering the edges. The thickest point should be in the middle and thin as the compound spreads further out.

Step8

Clean yourself and your tools with soap and water. Rinse and dry your tools well to prevent rust.