Mudding And Taping Drywall
Posted on October 12, 2010 by GuestPoster ----- Advertisement
The last step in drywall installation after all the hanging is done is its mudding and taping. This procedure will need a lot of patience but if done properly, it will be able to hide all the imperfections in the hanging of the drywall. Mudding and taping will allow a clean and smooth drywall finish. Basically, there are four steps in the taping of drywall. The first step is the installation of corner bead to all corners by tacking. The second step is to apply the joint tape between the seams of the different sections of the drywall board. Third, apply the joint compound to all seams and corners which need to be covered. You can also apply the joint compound over nails and screw holes so that they will not be visible and will allow an even drywall. Since the joint compound will normally shrink when it dries up, you will need to apply 3 coats of mud compound. Apply thin coats instead of thick coats. Thinner coats will be more effective and will dry faster than if you go for several thick coats. Also, do not forget to sand between coats. However, you will need to wait until each coating is thoroughly dried before sanding. This is mainly a common mistake in most mudding and taping procedures. While sanding is a very messy job, a drywall sander equipped with a vacuum will help you a lot.
In taping the drywall, you will need to use a drywall joint tape, joint compound and a corner knife. First, cut the joint or mesh tape according to the length of the board with a little excess on each end. Soaking the tape in water will help keep bubbles from forming when the mud is being applied. Then secure the tape tightly into the corners between the drywall boards with the corner knife. Follow this step with the second coating of the mud over the joint tape. Lastly, even out edges and excess mud under the joint tape using the taping knife. Taping the drywall doesn’t need to be perfect but it must look perfect as much as possible. The tape needs to be fully covered with mud and to be securely positioned in between the seams of the drywall board.