How to Tape the Corner of Sheetrock

When working with sheetrock and sheetrock mud it is essential to allow each coat of the mud to dry thoroughly before moving to the next step for the smoothest finish.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• sheetrock mud/joint compound (5 gallon bucket size)
• sheetrock tape
• 4 inch taping knife
• mud pan
• mudstick
• water
• sanding sponge or 100 grit sand paper

1. 
    
   mud pan

   Gather all supplies. Open the bucket of mud and add 4 cups of water to it. Using the mud stick, stir water thoroughly into mud. The mud should be the consistency of pudding. Using the 4 inch knife, scoop some of the mud out of the bucket into the mud pan. Take your mud knife and scoop some mud out of the pan on one side of the knife. Apply a thin coat of mud the length of the corner on both sides. Fold the tape along its seam. Starting at the top imbed the tape into the mud until you reach the bottom of the wall. Tear off the tape from the roll.

2. 
    
   drywall knife

   Take the 4 inch knife and place at a 30 degree angle at the top of the right wall. Horizontally wipe down the tape and mud to remove any excess mud from the wall. Repeat on left wall. Allow to dry thoroughly for at least 4 hours. The mud will turn white when fully dry as opposed to grey when wet.

3. Apply a coat of mud the, width of the knife, thick enough to cover the tape to the left side of the corner. Make sure the edge of the mud is thin and smooth as possible. It is better to have too little mud than too much. Allow the mud to dry thoroughly before applying mud to the right side wall. If you try to put mud on the other side of the corner without allowing the mud to dry you will scrape off the mud on the opposite wall. allow to dry thoroughly

4. Use sanding sponge or a piece of 100 grit sand paper folded to roughly 4 inches wide. Sand the mudded area in an up and down motion until smooth. Make sure to sand the edges of the mud as well. Now you are ready to paint the walls.