Drywall installation and finishing are good ways to make a polished and seamless wall. Drywall taping and drywall mudding are essential techniques used to join pieces of drywall into a single, smooth surface. When executed correctly, these processes result in a wall that appears flawless and covers any imperfections. This article will explain drywall mud and drywall tape, how to tape and mud drywall and some extra tips to follow.
See also: How to install drywall when constructing a house?
Tools needed to tape and mud drywall
- All-purpose joint compound
- Paper tape
- Taping knife
- Finishing knives
- Corner knife
- Utility knife
- Mud tray
- Power screwdriver with drywall countersink attachment
- 1-5/8″ drywall screws
- Straightedge
- Sponge
- Sandpaper
- Hand sander
- Facemasks
- Plastic covering
- Drop cloths
Types of drywall mud
Dry mud
Dry mud is the powdered form of compound sold in plastic-lined bags. It requires mixing with special tools and sets quickly. This type is often used as a strong base coat due to its rapid drying properties.
Pre-mixed or wet mud
Pre-mixed mud is ready to use and only requires adding water to achieve the desired consistency. It is commonly used as a first coat because of its strong bonding properties.
Topping mud
Topping mud, a type of dry mud, is lighter than all-purpose mud. It is primarily used for final coats, offering a smoother finish.
Lightweight all-purpose drywall mud
Lightweight all-purpose mud is easier to sand than standard all-purpose joint compound. It can be applied as both a first and second coat, making it good for seams, corner beads and finish coats.
Types of drywall tape
Paper tape
Non-adhesive paper tape must be set within a layer of compound to go with the drywall. It is not elastic and good for creating strong joints in vulnerable areas.
Fibreglass mesh tape
Self-adhesive fibreglass mesh tape adheres flat to the drywall surface and prevents the growth of mould.
Preformed tape
Preformed tape is used on outside wall corners and can be made from various materials, such as paper, plastic or thin metal. It ensures a consistent appearance.
How to prepare for taping and mudding drywall?
- Gather supplies: Assemble the necessary tools and materials, including mud pans, joint compound, paint buckets and other essential items.
- Wear proper protection: Put on coveralls to prevent drywall mud from staining your clothing, and use a mask or respirator to avoid inhaling harmful dust particles.
- Protect your workspace: Cover the surrounding area with plastic or canvas drop cloths or tarps to cover the furniture and prevent sanding dust from spreading.
How to apply mud and tape drywall?
Mudding the joints and screw spots
Source: Pinterest (Family Handyman)
- Start by applying an inch of mud to fill joints and cover screw spots.
- Use a utility knife or paint scraper and wipe away excess mud.
Apply and smooth the tape
- Place a piece of paper drywall tape over the mud in the joint, put pressure on it and avoid the formation of air bubbles.
- Pull the utility knife along the tape, ensuring it is in the mud.
Mud and tape the corners and edges
Source: Pinterest (Young House Love)
- Apply mud to both sides of an inside corner and place a creased strip of paper drywall tape over it.
- Push the tape into the corner using light strokes. For outside corners and edges, use preformed tape and apply mud over them.
Let it dry
Let the mudded and taped areas dry overnight. Once completely dry, use sandpaper for a smooth finish.
Apply more coats of mud
- Use a 10-inch drywall knife to apply a thin layer of mud for the second coat.
- No paper drywall tape is needed at this stage.
- Wipe away excess mud and allow it to dry overnight.
- For the final coat, use lightweight all-purpose mud or topping mud.
- Thin the mud by adding water and apply it with a 12-inch drywall knife.
- Wipe away excess mud and let it dry overnight.
Sand the taped and mudded drywall
For a smooth finish, use pole sandpaper. Sand the surface, ensuring there are no lines, ridges, or pinholes on the drywall.
How to mud drywall with mesh tape?
- Apply mesh tape directly over the seams. When mud is applied, it naturally seeps through the mesh, creating a strong bond in the seam beneath.
- Follow the usual taping order. Begin with screw indentations and joints, followed by inside and outside corners.
- While mesh tape works well for flat joints, it’s not suitable for corners. For inside corners, use pre-creased paper tape, and for outside corners, opt for preformed tape.
FAQs
Do you tape or mud drywall first?
When taping and mudding drywall, you typically start by applying a thin layer of mud (all-purpose joint compound) over the seams, then embed drywall tape into the mud. After that, you add more layers of mud to smooth and feather the joints. So, the first step is applying mud, not tape.
Do you have to mud and tape drywall?
Yes, it's essential to both tape and mud drywall seams for a smooth and seamless finish.
How many coats of drywall mud?
It is recommended to put three coats of drywall mud for a smooth finish: the tape coat, the first coat, and the final coat.
Can I paint directly on drywall?
Yes, you can paint directly on drywall, but it's recommended to mud, tape and prime it first for better paint adhesion and a more even finish.
What is the best type of drywall mud?
The best mud for taping drywall is generally an all-purpose joint compound.
What is the best type of drywall tape?
Paper drywall tape is widely used and is often considered one of the best options for taping drywall seams due to its ease of use and effectiveness in creating strong joints
What is the ratio of water to drywall mud?
The water-to-drywall mud ratio typically ranges from 3 to 4 parts drywall mud to 1 part water, but it can vary depending on the specific brand and type of joint compound used and the desired consistency.
Do you sand after taping drywall?
Yes, sanding is typically done after taping and mudding drywall to achieve a smooth finish.
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