Drywall tape is made of cloth, paper, and at times, mesh. It sometimes contains pressure-sensitive adhesives. This section provides the methods and instructions to tape a drywall.
Taping a drywall is not very easy to do, and if done incorrectly, will leave some joints and nails visible through the wall. Many people prefer leaving this job to a professional. However, it is possible to do at home if the right techniques are used.
Instructions
Materials Required
- Four inch flexible putty knife
- Six inch flexible putty knife
- A pail of setting compound
- Roll of paper tape
- 12 inch trowel
- A banjo
Method
Before you begin, mix the setting compound with water to prepare the desired consistency. To keep the compound from drying out, cover the pail with a hardboard. Saturate the paper tape in the mud compound using the banjo and apply it on all the joints and corner beads. Then carefully pull it out of the banjo and apply it on the wall. As you apply a small portion of the tape, use your fingers to smooth out the joints, and cut the tape to the required length with the lip of the banjo.
Now use the six inch flexible putty knife to press the tape flat onto the wall and remove any excess compounds. After you have finished taping the entire length of the wall, use a trowel to spread a second coat of compound over it. When you have applied the concrete all over the wall, use the trowel to even it and smooth it out. Scrape and smooth out any rough, projected ridges before applying a third coat of the compound. Use a medium grit sandpaper to lightly sand the edges of the wall.
Taping Corners
First, measure and cut the paper tape roll to the required length and then fold it in half. Coat it in the compound mix and tape it on the corners. Extend it about 4 to 5 inches away from the edge. Apply a second and third coat of compound with the help of the four inch flexible putty knife. Allow it to dry and then sand the edges with a medium grit sandpaper.
Taping the Ceiling
First, apply a coat of compound on the ceiling and make sure that it is completely even and smooth. Apply the paper tape over the compound. Add a second coat of compound over it. Use the trowel to smooth it out and make sure that the tape is not visible after the second compound application. Allow it to dry completely for at least 24 hours before sanding it with a medium grit sandpaper.
Taping drywall with mesh tape is an alternative to paper tape. The advantage of using mesh tape is that, unlike paper tape, you do not need to apply a coat of compound to the wall before using the tape. In case you use mesh, allow the wall to dry for at least a week before applying paint.
