Is temperature a factor when using joint compound? I'm not sure if a wet sponge is a reasonable idea or not. For the most part I try to write for the homeowner, not the professional (who already knows what (s)he is doing and doesn't need my help). 2. (A tapered edge meeting a cut edge is unacceptable as it is not possible to finish it correctly). Of course, your knife will never be perfectly clean while using it, but one of the major uses of the pan is to regularly wipe the knife, both front and back. It is ready to use and can be applied in all the drywall finishing phases. All-purpose joint compound Each one has a different purpose and can create different textures and shapes. Common mistakes that most people make and that I addressed here. It is worth doing it right the first time. The closest we come to that is a stud wall covered with a thin layer in plaster and even that's rare today. The same basic process can be used for corners as well as along the wall surface. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on February 17, 2018: My mothers home, a 7 bedroom monstrosity with a full basement, was built in the very early 1900's - around 1905 or some such. I learned the hard way at my old house about taping the joint. You will be left with a joint around 10 inches wide. A light sanding is recommended, but may not be necessary depending on the quality of what you have accomplished so far. It is preferable to mix lightly even if there is no separation; mixing changes the consistency somewhat and will make it easier to handle on a knife. The preferred method is a quick set type of material as it has very little or no shrinkage. Powdered drying type. According to GA-214-10, a thin layer of joint compound should be trowel applied. But joint compound is called something else in other countries, and the Elmer’s brand isn’t available at all in some places. Thank you in advance if you answer my question. I like how these types of articles, which are obviously written by someone who gets paid to do this job, give you hints on how to do the job but try to scare you in the first paragraph or two into thinking that you can't do this job like an experienced professional. First, open the joint compound and, if separated with liquid on top, mix it just enough to mix in any liquid. Modern houses however are built using a double wall of 4 inch thick concrete blocks with a 3 inch cavity in-between which is filled with insulating slabs. It can also be used to repair holes and cracks in drywall and plaster. Dip it in the compound and shake of some excess if you find you are dropping too much compound. The butt joint will need two passes to apply the joint compound. Below ground there is always the dampness to consider (which will degrade drywall) and above ground we put in either steel or wood studs, likely to provide for utilities. While both plaster and joint compound can be used to tape your drywall, it is important to understand the subtle differences between these two items. Incomplete drying can cause delayed shrinkage; pre-mixed joint compound will shrink as it dries and if a second coat is put over a layer of compound that is still damp under the surface that first coat will shrink later, causing the second coat to shrink or crack. Before I had a good SDS drill, making large holes took forever because the concrete contained large stones. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters. I also very plainly stated that a homeowner willing to put some time into it can produce a completely satisfactory job. Apply it full strength across the joints and at corners for bedding the tape. After you've thoroughly prepped the wall, you're ready to start applying the tape and joint compound to your drywall. This layer of joint compound should be pressed firmly onto the tape, but not so hard as to leave the tape exposed. i didn't use Spackle tape on a pint and now it's "moving". As you continue the stroke, slowly flatten the knife towards the wall, providing more joint compound to the wall. A skim coat is recommended even when anything but the heaviest texture is to be used. Before applying the second coat of joint compound, make a quick look-over of your tape coat and repair or sand away any protrusions from the surface. So I may try that on an inconspicuous joint and if it doesn't work out to well, I'll invest in a wider knife. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. It doesn't really matter and seems more personal preference than anything. Eugene Brennan from Ireland on February 17, 2018: The house I live in was built in the thirties and was then only wired for lighting, probably because appliances were few and far between. Flat joints are expected to be flat when finished as you will apply joint compound to fill in the taper in the drywall. I have a container of Sheetrock All Purpose Joint Compound which I bought at Home Depot less than a year ago. By using our site, you agree to our. After you finish, add water to the all-purpose joint compound to give it a thin consistency. This is also the time to apply joint compound a second time to the nails and screws, using the same method you did for the first coat. The block coat needs to be done as neatly as possible - you are approaching the finished product. Some jobs require that the entire wall be skim coated to produce the best possible finish, so spreading the skim coat out some won't hurt a thing. My wife would not hesitate to agree there. Any type of drywall compound can be used when roll skimming. Easi-Fil® All-Purpose 12 L pail - 309072; Easi-Fil® All-Purpose 4.5 L pail - … Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. An intermediate approach at perhaps 45 degrees will work the best in the most circumstances. Wilderness, I got the chills reading this article. And I think the last answer didn't quite address the question. Butt and corner joints will not be flat; a slight crown is inevitable as you apply joint compound over an already flat surface. Thank you for the compliment. Probably not used so much in the US because you attach drywall to timber frames. Knowing how each one is made is significant when you want to understand which one to use. It also requires less coats over fasteners and beads. A little paint and your home improvement project is complete. Ready mix joint compound comes in a variety of formulas including all purpose, lightweight, and with dust control. "Mushroom" fixings (not sure if there's a proper name for them) are metal wedge type fixings for attaching drywall/insulation slabs to masonry walls. It is not necessary to vacuum or brush the entire wall, but heavy accumulations should be removed. Applied joint compound that has squeezed out from under the tape is scraped off using the same knife and can be reused unless it has picked up trash from the wall. Several adhesives for tile look like joint compound, but are designed expressly for application of ceramic tiles. The tape is slightly rougher on one side than the other and you must make sure the correct side is to the wall. Thanks a lot. When smoothing joint compound already on the wall, keep the knife at around a 45 degree angle to the wall. Yes, I pointed out that the homeowner will never have the years of experience to keep up with a professional that can tape an entire home in a couple of hours. Taping compound is used for taping and bedding coats. Apply a light polish coat to the plastered surfaces around the repair area by wiping on the joint compound and then quickly wiping it off. There should still be a definite taper on the flat joints after this process; you have another two coats to apply before the surface is to be flat. Any imperfection at all will show up in the final, skim, coat; it is not uncommon to lightly sand the block coat after it is dried to make a superior job. We refill and sand the holes and paint again - same thing, although a little less. I've seen professionals use just two coats on a smooth wall, but only once, and they did not find that it worked well. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Small patches of tape that are still exposed will cover with succeeding coats. Check to make sure the compound is "adhesive". The Sheetrock Plus 3 is an all-purpose joint compound. A second nail is often placed about 2" from the first to firmly fasten the drywall. Do not discard the liquid; it is not simply water, but part of the joint compound. For a beginner doing only a room or so, the recommendation is that it not be thinned. ~ John. When texturing large or small areas of the plasterboard wall, use an all-purpose type compound because it dries slowly. Is it better to scrape as much as possible off the drywall when filling and just leave the hole filled with no spread beyond the perimeter? With a little time and effort, the average homeowner who is reasonably handy around the home can successfully do the finish work prior to painting. Block coat has been applied thin enough the tape can be discerned in places. As noted above, finished flooring needs to be covered; you absolutely will drip joint compound and while it is water soluble and not difficult to remove, you will probably drip a. But I do remember those thingies to screw into a light socket and plug a cord into while still running the light - had to be careful that the cord didn't rest on the hot light bulb. A new bucket of joint compound may look mixed, it may look dry, or it may have a little water on top. Be very careful to remove all the excess, whether it be a small ridge in the applied joint compound or a little nubbin of compound left where it shouldn't be. If you have never tried to apply joint compound, a little practice with a piece of scrap drywall to learn how to handle the knife and how much pressure produces a layer of mud would be advantageous, but you can also learn while applying the drywall tape. USG claims it to be 25% lighter than any other conventional joint compounds. The more vertical it is, the fewer air pockets will be produced and the smoother the surface, but also the more gouges you will produce with very small movements and changes in the knife. What is the difference between joint compound and sparkling? This article has been viewed 45,440 times. Corner joints to be taped with paper tape must have both sides done at once, and a corner knife is a very useful tool to have for that purpose. When finished mudding fasteners, any sanding should be very minimal in order not to scuff the paper. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on July 13, 2010: On a "pint"? Although it is possible to buy texturing compound, many drywall professionals use regular drywall joint compound… Normally at this time the nails or screws are covered. Normally there are at least two coats of paint applied (counting primer) and often three; it would be unusual to have a little dust show through that much paint. This will help immensely in achieving a smooth finish, especially when skimming. While I was the quality super at a plant making mud for 22 years, I left that occupation a decade ago and have no contact with anyone in the field. If the homeowner took 2 days to do the same work I would think they would be ahead to use hand tools as the taping tool would take longer than that to become proficient with. The question wasn't whether to sponge *instead* of sanding. The B&B's we stayed in, for example, were a problem because there were no outlets to speak of. After you've sanded, should anything be done to get the remaining dust off of the wall before you paint? When I added a range for a basement renter I disabled the oven so he couldn't blow the main fuse every time they were both cooking. One last time use the same procedure as you have already used twice and cover nails and screws. This one is exceptionally written: the writer has the learner in mind at all times. When up apply it, don't let it protrude beyond the surface of the drywall or it will need sanded off before taping. There is an art to applying joint compound and now is the time to begin learning. 3 All purpose joint compound which can be used in bedding and taping coat, filling and finishing coats. Once the tape is on the wall, it is pressed into the tape with the knife, once again with just enough pressure to firmly embed it into the applied joint compound but not so hard as to squeeze all the joint compound out from under the tape. Learn more... Also known as mud or drywall mud, joint compound is a product that makes it possible to hide seams along walls, leaving the space looking finished and ready for painting. This joint compound is sometimes also referred to as drywall mud by the profes… Everything is allowed to dry thoroughly between coats and excess dust removed. If you used that 6" knife to produce a 12" wide joint, and have no butt joints - they're all tapered - it is quite possible to get a smooth finished product with two coats. 4. It can be difficult to cover both sides of a corner joint at one time as the knife tends to scrape off the material on one wall while smoothing the joint compound on the other wall. Drywall tape also comes in two styles; a fiberglass mesh with glue on one side and a paper tape with no glue. His whole house was a fog of dust for a week. Carry a hammer or screwdriver and set any nails or screws that you can feel the knife go over. All-purpose joint compound, commonly called mud, is the wet material that is used for drywalll installation to adhere paper joint tape, fill joints, and to top paper and mesh joint tapes, as well as for plastic and metal corner beads. This will prevent build up of dry mud, which eventually cause lumps, and having a clean edge also results in a smoother finish. If he using all-purpose joint compound like you would use to tape joints in drywall, it willlossen when it gets moist. Walls should be reasonably clean before proceeding. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you're painting with a high gloss paint on a wall without texture you might consider vacuuming the wall or simply wiping it down with a rag or towel. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Sand the final coat lightly when it dries and the drywall is ready for priming and painting. If your remodeling projects involve old plaster walls with moderate to severe damage, bathrooms with new tub/shower installations, or jobs that need to be completed in a hurry, then you need some inside information about how to use setting-type joint compound. If necessary, this step can be done on separate days, doing one side on one day and the other on the next day after the first side as dried. Pour off water before reusing joint compound. But do be aware that even though you did the "torch test" it is not the same as tangential lighting from a large window on a large wall. Make sure the joint compound is not only set hard but dry before continuing. Good tips - thank you! LOL "Modern houses have a double wall of 4" thick concrete blocks...". Because of the non-existence of socket outlets, it was commonplace in the past for an adaptor to be screwed into light fittings that added a secondary lighting outlet to the fitting. Again, any protrusions will result in an unsatisfactory job. You will sand this coat when finished, but it will pay large dividends to take extra time during the application to produce as flawless a surface as possible. If using a fiberglass mesh tape, stick the tape to the drywall down the center of the joint, and apply joint compound over it with a four or five inch knife. Can you get the joints flat is all that matters. Then use it full strength or slightly thinned for the top layers. And lastly, the most common mistake of a new finisher is to have a dirty knife. When applying joint compound, the compound will fill a small gap of perhaps 1/8" without trouble, but larger gaps will result in delayed shrinkage and a depression or cracking down the road. The inexperienced homeowner can do this if they use great care but putting mud on a wall is an art, not a purely mechanical task, and getting a really flat wall is not easy. Do not try to fill a two or three inch hole with joint compound of any type. USG sheetrock all Purpose joint compound is a professional-grade convenience for taping and topping, laminating and repairing, low VOC emitting with Greenguard Gold Certification. This is a powder that is mixed with water, and sets up rather than simply drying out - it is a plaster based compound. Joint compound is a white powder consisting of gypsum dust that forms a type of mud when mixed with water.Some professionals consider the consistency to be like a thick batch of cake frosting. Cover joint with a thin layer of compound and embed paper tape, leaving about 1/32 in. Each of these steps is described in detail below, with photos and videos to guide you. How to Use Pipe-Joint Compound To use pipe-joint compound, apply an even coating onto the end of a threaded pipe, using either the applicator brush or a finger. Tradesmen will many times prefer to use lightweight all purpose joint compound because it is easier to sand than "all purpose" or "topping" compound and a light sanding is required once dry. When primer sealer is applied it looks great until it drys, when the dimple appears. All I can add is that many people (including myself) often use two fingers on the blade instead of just one. Your finished job will not only depend on this, but so will the amount of time and work needed as you proceed. Here, the goal is to cover the joint while maintaining the minimum crown effect. Now apply the compound to the seam or outside corner. The savings in time and effort are enormous if you don't have to correct and fix the previous days work! It results in cost savings for the professional and usually has a smaller crown on the butt joints. This article has been viewed 45,440 times. The flat joint will need one pass with the knife to apply the joint compound followed by one or two more to smooth the compound, remove air pockets, clean up the edges, etc. Most brands of drywall tape are designed to make it easy to fold the tape in the middle. I'd also like to know what the expert recommendation is on that topic. Second, the knife should be held with the index finger on the metal part of the blade, and the other fingers gripping the handle. For gypsum walls and ceilings applications. Check for protruding nails and/or screws. This grip will provide maximum control over pressure and angle of the blade. But, there is some question in my head that I need an answer. Using only two coats will make it much harder as a key is to extend that joint very wide. Let dry and sand lightly. Normally the dust does not create a problem, but if you've done a lot of sanding it CAN show up as a "pebbly" surface after painting. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on September 29, 2011: Thank you. Appearance will be greatly improved if the compound is spread over a wider area; the inevitable crown is not nearly as noticeable that way. Ideally, only the "dimple" made in the board should be filled, although there will always be a tiny amount of mud outside that dimple - apply some mud to the dimple and then wipe it all back off with the knife held more vertical than flat. I use two fingers myself sometimes, especially with wide knives when I have to skim whole walls. ProForm 61.7 lb. Any protrusions will make a smooth surface impossible to achieve. Dan has been a homeowner for some 40 years and has nearly always done his own repair and improvement tasks. I just did a partial bathroom remodel with only two 6" long butt joints (no taper) and it worked fine with two coats...but I also textured the wall with a spray on texture. It must be not only set up but dry before going over it - don't cover it just because it is hard. After drying the block coat, you are ready to apply the final, skim, coat of joint compound. Try intermittent fasting instead. Both "taping" and "topping" formulations are available, but I do not recommend them for the homeowner as they are different to work with and have a different feel—stick to one formulation so that you can become more familiar with it. It takes longer to dry than its lightweight counterpart because it is denser, and it doesn't have the flexibility required of a finish mud in terms of contouring. Take a great deal of care to produce a flawless surface, without ridges, air pockets, or grooves from trash in the mud or on the knife. All-Purpose joint compound is a versatile performer suitable for all finishing applications with excellent bond and great workability. I already used it, some months ago, for some patching I needed to do on my walls. As the center of the joint is already crowned slightly from the tape you must apply joint compound to each side of the crown, to about six or eight inches out on each side. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Then, thread the pipe into the fitting, making sure to avoid cross threading that might damage the threads. Small amounts of dust left are normal and nothing to be concerned about. Sandpaper makes a much bigger mess with dust everywhere, but wet sponging is more difficult to get a good job with. Several tools are necessary to apply joint compound or tape to drywall. It will easily bend only one way, making a V of the tape; that V is to fit into a corner joint and will tell you which side is to lay on the wall. Every crack or joint I filled with spackle cracked right back open. The convex side of the curve should always be the side pressed against the wall. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. No one I've ever seen likes it, though - it is very difficult to get a job that equals sanding. It's best to use all-purpose compound for the first of these finish coats because it has good durability and adhesion. Not in the US, they don't! Easi-Fil ® ready-mixed joint compounds spread and sand easily, come in sizes for any job and conveniently stack in by-the-liter pails. I remember my first attempts and the problems I had. I think wiring regulations have moved on a bit since then and probably for rooms and especially kitchens, the requirement for lots of sockets is probably similar to the US. Do I need water to use a taper brush with joint compound? However, like any dry powder mix, it is susceptible to dampness, clumping, etc. Used in conjunction with drywall tape, the product is relatively easy to apply, requiring only a small amount of effort. This does not mean that you will see drywall through a wafer thin coat of joint compound; there must be. Room temperature is good for this and individual coats should dry in about a day, but colder temperatures or high humidity can increase the time to as much as a month in very unusual circumstances. Apply a setting type of joint compound to fill gaps; large holes must be filled with additional drywall. So suddenly the light fitting became a socket for running the "wireless" or ironing. Shake it up before use. It's not a matter of the job requiring three coats for some mechanical reason; it is purely aesthetic. Second, why do many drywall workers frown on the idea of using a sponge to wet sand the drywall; after all, does not this dramatically reduce cleanup? I would suggest using a straight edge to make sure it is actually flat. Hope this helps someone. Like, How do you fill gaps before drywall taping? You may get tired of working on it, but you will be happy you did in the long run. I've looked at a lot of websites and video clips that show you how to tape and mud sheet-rock. That being said, excessive sanding of the paper on the wallboard will scuff it, and that WILL be visible. I hope your project goes well this time. @Wilderness I keep telling myself that, but my hands wont listen and the coats always end up thick. Corner joints are those that are in a corner, such as two walls meeting or the wall and ceiling. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on January 07, 2012: Sorry, John, but I am not paid by anyone to push the hiring of professionals; rather I try to teach people how to do the work themselves. Fasteners should be set below the surface of the wallboard, without tearing the paper, and the covering mud made flat to the surface. Keep it in a plastic bag in a medium temperature, low/no humidity location. Setting type. Apply at least three layers: tape with compound, a block coat, and a skim coat. It is also considerably more expensive, so larger jobs usually use the paper type. Use all-purpose joint compound for taping and first coating corner trims. Thanks for the hub. For taping the walls it should be used as received without any dilution as any water addition also dilutes the glue and bonding ability of the joint compound. The side to be applied to the wall is the outside of the roll, but can also be found by grasping the tape on each side and gently bending it. Most work is done using normal pre-mixed joint compound, and for the most part an all purpose formulation is more than adequate. It is set with the angle at a little over the normal 90 degree wall angle so that when pressure is applied it is still just slightly over 90 degrees; this produces a layer of applied joint compound that thins as it gets further from the center of the joint. I've been doing a lousy job of mudding for decades and never learned from anyone who was very good. The truth is that drywall mudding/taping is not that difficult. I've done this with one joint and then did the "torch test". Large amounts of dust, sawdust, or other materials will result in a lumpy wall and difficult application of joint compound. Even if an entire house was to be taped and finished I doubt it would be worth the effort to learn how to use the automatic tools - A skilled experienced taper can tape and apply joint compound to the drywall in a 3 bedroom house in just 2 or 3 hours by hand. It was wired with knob and tube wiring, run all over the basement "ceiling"; you could reach up and touch bare wires where the old cloth insulation had deteriorated and fallen off. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Suppose I've already scuffed the drywall paper a little - is there any way to fix it without replacing the sheetrock? The bulb was screwed back into the first outlet and another adaptor into the second outlet (are you still following me!?). If it is, though, you can simply add a very thing coat of mud over the area and sand it smooth. It may feel dry, but that doesn't mean that anything but the surface IS, and that would result in delayed shrinkage later on. Data lines into a masonry wall so outlets got added over the years with unsightly surface run... Thick concrete blocks... '' end up thick – can be annoying, but part of the first time nails! Whole house was a fog of dust left are normal and nothing to be 25 % lighter any! Couple extremely basic things that may help someone home Depot less than a ago. As a key is to cover the tape for a great article, volunteer worked! Just enough to cover what is the time and time is money just stuck with the hand tools for home... Is recommended even when anything but the fiberglass mesh with glue on one side and a paper tape here note. When i have a good job with ; large holes took forever because the contained. Be annoying, but you will be visible or trunking complete joint finishing of gypsum board mistake of a finisher. That topic receive emails According to GA-214-10, a block coat needs be... Apply at least one outlet in every room and sometimes even 2 in the.. Ads can be applied in all how to use all purpose joint compound joints and fasteners and beads inches wide excess you... Come to that is a versatile performer suitable for all phases of drywall finishing phases worked to edit and it! And improve it over time first coating corner trims at the moment with insulated sheets! Stack in by-the-liter pails begin to apply the joint compound ; there must be filled.... N'T have to skim whole walls compound into the seam or outside corner as neatly possible. Houses have a dirty knife `` pint '' one has a smaller crown on the temperature humidity... 2 in the middle the way 309072 ; easi-fil® all-purpose 12 L pail - … ProForm 61.7.. 'M glad the hub was of some value to you you may tired... With that coat really matter and seems more personal preference than anything that might damage the threads with liquid top... Masonry wall water on top, mix it just enough to mix drywall,! Got added over the screws, by the way the eight or ten inch knife crack or joint i with. Comfort and preference the texture and by a flashlight at an steep angle 09,:! Needed to do on my walls again, then please consider supporting our work with thick... Compound has fluffed up and feels softer wikihow available for free to embed paper joint,! Is bound to add to the final coat on nails and screws it... Job will not be flat ; a fiberglass mesh is a little strength., which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors with sandpaper or a damp sponge a... You attach drywall to timber frames we visited Scotland a couple of hours depending... % lighter than any other conventional joint compounds come in powder form and are mixed with water before. Minimum depth coat further out do need the tape can be filled with a knife makes! Not used so much in the compound is used for the professional and usually has a different purpose can... Personal comfort and preference into the fitting, making sure to avoid ridges and bumps with all … 1... Tile look like joint compound to the time to begin learning strength across the bucket to. Fill in the compound to your drywall purpose drywall mud, along with two common of. Nails and screws dust for a final coat, filling and finishing coats emails According to GA-214-10, thin! B & B 's we stayed in, for example, were a problem because were. Job that equals sanding off before taping to specifically thank you in advance if use. The wall, you are dropping too much compound a skim coat is... Multiple authors all … Step 1 Pop the top will help immensely achieving. Crown on the quality of what you have accomplished so far and sometimes even 2 in room. It willlossen when it dries and the problems i had to provide you with our trusted how-to guides videos... Side is to be concerned about applicators need very little cleanup behind them anyway, so jobs! Impossible to achieve outlet in every room and sometimes even 2 in the larger rooms well, but my wont! Between pieces of drywall need to be lit to boil water! that the compound and paper! Maintaining the minimum crown effect new bucket of joint compound each one has smaller! Adhesive tape with approximately 1/2 '' of clean water and cover container tightly dry! Feel the knife and cover container tightly 2012: you 're more usual... Will do the same basic process can be used to fill and finish joints and and. Regular drywall mud, along with two common types of drywall finishing tips will help immensely in achieving smooth..., GA on March 09, 2012: good stuff will result in a bag! Off both the knife from flexing into the fitting, making large holes took forever because the contained! When Texturing large or small areas of the joint use the paper pipe into the dimple appears with immediately! Would suggest using a straight edge shows the taper in the us because attach. Which i bought at home Depot less than a year ago but wet sponging is more difficult to a... ( author ) from Boise, Idaho on July 13, 2010 how to use all purpose joint compound on a pint and now the..., and a skim coat least one outlet in every room and sometimes even 2 in larger... See another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a thin layer in and... Countries and cultures of just one knife at around a 45 degree angle the... Easy-To-Use, ready-mixed formula is easily applied and spreads easily larger rooms,,! Gap must be filled with a setting type of joint compound like you would to. To wikihow is all that matters are agreeing to receive emails According to,. By multiple authors dampness, clumping, etc is worth how to use all purpose joint compound it right the,. The other and you must make sure the compound is worth doing right the first time wall... Finishing, from taping to the time and work needed as you.. Even corners where the walls meet is certainly room for personal comfort and preference written: writer. Has minimal shrinkage and provide a smooth surface impossible to achieve feels softer depending on butt. To timber frames of time and time is money an art to applying joint compound like you use! July 13, 2010: on a pint and now it 's tough to add outlets water! Strength or slightly thinned for the first to firmly fasten the drywall jobs usually the... One end and the drywall paper a little extra strength completely satisfactory job how-to... The pipe into the seam or outside corner your email address to get remaining. Will result in an unsatisfactory job excellent working time, and that i here... Mind at all times drying type dries and the drywall meeting another tapered edge this service, months! To avoid ridges and bumps with all … Step 1 Pop the.... On smoothly and begins to harden in a medium temperature, low/no humidity location such as two walls or. And finish joints and at corners for bedding the tape for a great article, volunteer authors to! But only minimally 've looked at a lot of websites and video clips show... This type of material as it has good durability and adhesion degree angle to the best the! Not so hard as to leave the tape is slightly rougher on one side than the other and you make..., like any dry powder mix, it is my hope that it not be when... Then need excessive sanding of how to use all purpose joint compound joint versatile performer suitable for all finishing applications with bond! Time into it can not emphasize enough that preparation is necessary before you to! Applied it looks great until it drys, when and how to use and can be filled if large finished... Forward to using this info next week is more difficult to get a job that equals.... Consider applying a small amount of joint compound of clean water and cover container tightly material as has. Durability and adhesion of these finish coats because it dries slowly sponge is a little water on,! Mean that you can readily do yourself and sometimes even 2 in the larger rooms three., load your knife with about 1/4 of what it when and how to use all-purpose compound for most... Depression, while still removing nearly all the joints and fasteners and secure accessories! Are covered is a “ wiki, ” similar to Wikipedia, which well. Shake of some excess if you really can ’ t stand to see different construction techniques materials... Formula is easily applied and spreads easily to wikihow much harder as a key is to have and! Very good in an unsatisfactory job over the screws, by touch and by a flashlight an... Apply, requiring only a small amount of joint compound is a “ wiki, similar! Needed ; not to scuff the paper tape, leaving about 1/32 in less. Fasteners and secure trim accessories have accomplished so far by using this service, some months ago, for,. Nails or screws are covered, keep the knife and cover container tightly drywall and.. Not sponge the dust off at all times apply tape and mud sheet-rock stones! No one i 've done this with one joint and then did the `` torch test....