Installing drywall is a simple task that most people can complete without much struggle. Unfortunately, finishing is among the most challenging parts of drywall installation, even for experts. There are critical factors to consider for a perfect finishing, such as whether you need to use drywall seams and how to use them.
You should tape drywall seams after installing drywalls. Using tape makes the seams invisible, thus making your finishing beautiful. Additionally, the tape strengthens the joint. Using a joint compound in place of drywall tape will make the seams visible after the compound dries.
In this article, we shall discuss how to tape drywall seams and make the seams invisible. Additionally, you shall learn common problems and mistakes that people make when taping drywall seams and how you can solve them. Read on for more information about this.
Tools Needed
The tools that you need to help you tape drywall seams are:
- Drywall saw
- Taping knife
- Screw gun
- Mud pan
- Corded drill
- T-square
- Paddle mixer
- Inside corner towel
Steps To Follow When Taping Drywall Seams
After you have collected the necessary tools, you can then proceed with your project. The steps to follow are
1. Fill Wide Gaps and Spread the Compound Over Joints
Form a paste by mixing water and the powder setting compound. Use the paste to fill the gaps, especially those that are more than ¼ inch (0.64 cm) wide. Fill the gap until it is even with the wall or slightly below it. After you mix water with the powder setting compound, work quickly since the compound is likely to harden after a while. It would be best if you formed a paste that you will work on within 90 minutes.
Additionally, when filling the gaps, watch out not to overfill them. Spread enough setting type compound over the gaps to fill joint pockets. There is enough space for both tape and mud on these spaces, and therefore easy to fill.
The video below will show you how to fill wide gaps on the wall:
2. Lay the Tape
Use a taping knife to the tape and embed it with the compound. Later, spread a thin coat of mud over the tape and make light strokes using the knife. Avoid pressing too hard since this can depress the compound, forcing you to refill it again. When the tape embeds properly, it fills the tapered edges, leaving the wall flat.
3. Tape and Mud the Corners
On each corner lay a ribbon of mud that is about two inches wide and 1/8 inch (0.32 cm) thick. To help keep the corner crisp and straight, sharply crease the paper tape. Use a stroke knife to ensure that the tape is exactly at the corner. With a taping knife, create a smooth and crisp joint.
You do this by placing one end of the taping joint on the wall and the other on the tape, then you stroke down the embed tape. Ensure that the taping knife is at a right angle with the adjacent wall for easy and smooth filling.
4. Work on the Outside Corners
Fill the corner bead pockets by laying plenty of mud on them. Place them along with the bead and the drywall and drag them along to fill the corner bead pockets. Avoid using too much pressure to avoid creating a hollow that you will need to fill later. It is also possible that you will have tape butt joints. Therefore, be extra careful when working on outside corners to avoid creating the butt joints.
5. Eliminate Loose Paper, Apply the Compound, and Tape
The loose paper will result from the butting joint. Therefore, trim away the loose paper to prevent butts and bubbling under the tape. Create a V-shaped channel by cutting on both sides of the joint. Fill the V-shape with a compound that is thick enough to cover it completely. Lay on the tape and use your knife’s light stroke to eliminate all mud under the tape.
What Causes the Drywall Joints To Start Cracking?
Among the reasons for taping drywall seams is to prevent cracking. However, you may realize that the drywall continues to crack regardless of your effort to avoid the cracks. There are several reasons why a drywall joint may start cracking. If the joint is around the doors or windows, it may crack due to the movements. Therefore, ensure that you tape these joints as strong as possible.
Additionally, the drywall may crack if you applied mud that was too thick. To evade such problems, avoid using more mud than what you need. On the other hand, always ensure that one coat is completely dry before you apply the next.
Conclusion
Taping of drywall seams is necessary to help you ensure that the seams remain invisible. Follow the right guide when taping the drywall seams for beautiful results. Use the information above to help you to achieve smooth drywall joints.
