How to Finish Drywall Seams at the Top of the Wall
During drywall installation, you first install the ceiling panels, then the wall panels. You will push the wall panels snugly against the ceiling. However, a thin crack will remain around the top of the wall that you must cover with molding or drywall tape for a smooth look. You will finish this seam the same way you finish the inside corners in your room. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Drywall compound
- 6-inch taping knife
- 10-inch taping knife
- Paper drywall tape
- Corner trowel
- Drywall sander
- Splatter-proof goggles
Instructions
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1
Scoop up fresh drywall compound with a 6-inch taping knife and smooth it into the horizontal crack between the wall and the ceiling. Work the wet compound deep into the crack, and extend it evenly over 4 inches of the adjoining wall and ceiling faces.
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2
Cut a piece of paper drywall tape 2 inches shorter than the seam, and fold it lengthwise down the middle. Paper drywall tape comes pre-creased.
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3
Position the folded paper drywall tape over the wet drywall compound and press it into place. The wetness of the compound will hold the paper tape.
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4
Pull a corner trowel firmly over the paper drywall tape to embed the tape and to push out air bubbles that may be beneath the tape. This will also push out excess joint compound.
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5
Apply more wet drywall compound to the ceiling face and the wall face using a 10-inch taping knife. Take care not to nick the corner of the paper tape with the edge of the knife.
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6
Let the compound dry completely before sanding with a drywall sander to smooth rough spots.
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7
Apply a second coat of compound, using the 10-inch knife, to both faces, keeping the edge of the knife about 1/8 inch away from the inside corner.
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8
Create a crisp corner line with the corner trowel, pulling it from one end to the other with a smooth motion.
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9
Hand-form the corners, using the corner of the 6-inch taping knife to smooth away excess compound.
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10
Switch back and forth between the corner trowel and the 10-inch taping knife, smoothing and removing excess compound, until the corner is straight and the wall and ceiling faces are smooth.
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11
Add additional very thin coats of compound, if desired, letting each coat dry completely before sanding and applying the next coat.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If the crack between the wall and the ceiling is wider than 1/4 inch, fill the seam with compound only, smoothing it off, letting it dry and sanding before proceeding with Step 1.
Work on only one wall/ceiling seam at a time.
Pull, don't push, the corner trowel, or you could tear the paper tape.
