If you're in the process of improving your home, there's a good chance you'll need to learn to tape drywall. It can be a pretty intimidating process if you don't know what you're doing, but it's really extremely easy. Even kids can manage to tape drywall successfully. Here's a look at all the drywall supplies and techniques you'll need to do the job right.
Remember that taping can take a surprisingly long time. It's not hard, but sometimes it takes up to three times as long as hanging the sheets. Taping gives the room a more professional, attractive look, and can help reduce the lumps and problems in your wall. If you don't feel like you're up to it, talk to a professional to do the job for you. It might be worth the investment for renovators who don't have a lot of time, or aren't secure in their accuracy.
So what kind of drywall supplies will you need? Well you're going to need joint compound, that's for sure. You will also need a drywall knife and some grit sandpaper. This will help with the finishing, though larger projects will require an electric sander.
The first step will revolve around covering each and every joint with compound in about three layers. Between every layer that you apply, allow some drying to take place, and then smooth it with the sander before you apply any more coats. The best thing you can do is try to apply it smoothly and evenly in the first place.
Yes, you can sand it down later, however isn't that an utter waste of material? Experts will not need to do any sanding, though being a beginner you probably won't achieve results like that. In any case, make sure that you do the best you can.
Once you've gotten done with your sanding, taping is what's left. Yes, the joints are covered up and will be hard to see, so you will need to take your best guess. Luckily, tape can be moved about if the compound is still wet.
After you have finished taping, make sure that you smooth it with your knife to squeeze out any excess compound. When all is said and done, put a thin layer of mud on the tape, but make sure that the tape is still visible. Smooth it out with sandpaper and get rid of any bumps or rough spots.
You would be amazed at exactly how easy it is to do your drywall taping. Just take a bit of time to learn it, and your walls will look quite professional.
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