How to Mudd & Tape Drywall

Walls erected using modern construction techniques are typically made of drywall. The drywall needs to be taped and mudded in order to give a seamless appearance. Presented in this tutorial is a method for taping and mudding that will leave beautifully seamed corners in any room. Only a few special tools are needed.

Things You'll Need

• Ready-mixed all-purpose drywall mud
• Trowels
• Mud knife
• Paper drywall tape
• Scissors
• Clean cloths
• 150-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Open the all purpose drywall mud and stir a little, but not too much. If you stir excessively, air bubbles will appear that can cause an uneven finish.

2. Place a generous amount of drywall mud onto the knife using the trowel. Press the mud between the drywall boards, directly into the seam. Leave about three inches of mud on each side of the wall.

3. Cut the paper drywall tape with the scissors to the needed length. Leave a few extra inches on each end.

4. Line up the tape so that the center is even between the boards and then press the tape into the mud using your hands. This step must be performed immediately after mudding the wall.

5. Clean any mud from the knife using a clean cloth. Use the clean knife to press the mud out from under the tape. Pull it down along the seam of the tape and remove any excess mud as you go along. Allow the wall to dry overnight.

6. Run over the dried work from the day before with a clean knife. Remove any obvious bumps or blemishes. Apply mud to the knife and mud over the seam again.

7. Smooth the mud as much as possible, pulling the knife horizontally. Feather the mud 4 to 6 inches on either side of the wall. Use the knife vertically to smooth the entire seam out again. When the tape is no longer visible, you are finished.

8. Allow the wall to dry completely and re-fill any cracks, holes or bumps in the same way. Sand the entire area smooth using the sandpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• Drywall mud is available in boxes and tubs. The boxes are less expensive but can be more difficult to handle. Choose within your budget as the mud from the boxes can be transferred to a different container for handling. Check the edges of your trowels for burrs (if plastic) or rust (if metal). Ensure you are working with a smooth and clean tool before beginning. A sanding block may be used in place of the sandpaper, if necessary.

• Do not press harder than necessary when applying the first coat of mud. You only need to press hard enough to adequately fill the seam and leave a smooth coat on the wall.