How to Putty Corners in Drywall

External corners, such as those on columns, are taped the same as other drywall seams.

Finishing drywall is a relatively simple task that involves applying drywall compound and tape to the seams of the drywall. The hardest part involves mudding the corners of a wall. Professionals use a mixture of tools to press the drywall compound into the gap between walls and to apply the tape. Finishing a wall does not require the use of expensive tools. The easiest way to mud the corner of a room is to use your hands and a taping knife.

Things You'll Need

• Pre-mixed drywall compound
• Drywall tape
• 6-inch taping knife
• Rubber gloves
• Drywall sanding block

Instructions

1. Scoop a handful of premixed drywall compound into your hand and press it into the seam of the corner. Wear a rubber glove to protect your hands from the mess and make sure the floor is covered.

2. Smooth the drywall by hand while pressing it further into the corner. Make sure the compound extends out from the seam approximately 1 to 2 inches on each side of the corner.

3. Tear off a piece of drywall tape the height of the section of the corner you are mudding. Fold the tape in half and press it into the corner. Unfold the tape so that the seam created by folding follows the vertical seam of the corner. Smooth the sides of the tape to the drywall. The drywall compound on the wall will hold the tape in place.

4. Spread additional drywall compound over the surface of the tape, smoothing out the tape as you go.

5. Press the tape into place with a 6-inch drywall taping knife. Hold the knife at an angle with one corner of the knife pressed into the wall corner and the flat edge of the knife pressed one side of the corner. Drag the taping knife down the length of the wall to remove excess compound and to smooth the tape. Repeat for the other side of the corner.

6. Allow the compound to dry according to the drying times listed on the container. Sand the corner with a drywall sanding block. Add more compound with the taping knife as necessary to fill in low spots.

Tips & Warnings

• The process will be messy. Keep your hands relatively clean by wearing a rubber glove and the floor clean with newspaper. You can attempt to use a taping knife to press the compund into the seam but without experience, the process is relatively difficult. Pressing the compound into place by hand simplifies the process enormously.

References

• "Lowe's: Complete Home Improvement and Repair"; Don Vandervort; 2005

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish