- 1). Keep your drywall taping simple by installing gypsum panels vertically. The 4 foot panel widths can be applied to 16 or 24 inch wall studs. Vertical installation eliminates un-tapered butt joints which are difficult to conceal. Drywall should be applied to the studs with drywall screws or nails spaced 5 to 7 inches on center.
- 2). Assemble tools and tape in the work area. Use the 8 inch broad knife to transfer pre-mixed drywall taping compound from the bucket to the 10 inch drywall mud pan. Transfer the taping compound from the mud pan to the vee joint formed by adjacent drywall panels using the broad knife. Apply enough joint compound to fill the vee joint.
- 3). Unwind enough tape to cover the full length of a vee joint. Press the tape firmly into the joint compound with the broad knife. The broad knife will span the vee joint and will and leave enough joint compound to imbed the tape in place to conceal the joint. Wipe excess joint compound from the drywall with the broad knife and return it to the mud pan. Repeat for every joint.
- 4). Allow the tape imbedded joints to dry for 24 hours. The joint compound and tape shrink slightly as they dry. Apply the first coat of joint compound to conceal the tape using the broad knife. Wipe the joint compound into the vee joint smoothly. Wait 24 hours before applying a second coat of joint compound to conceal the tape. Each coat of joint compound shrinks slightly.
- 5). Apply the second coat of joint concealing compound to the joints. When dry this second coat of joint compound should bring the vee joints level with the surrounding areas of gypsum wallboard. Wait 24 hours for the joints to dry. Apply a third coat of joint compound if you feel it is necessary to hide the joints.
- 6). Sand the joints level and true with the sanding block and sand paper. The surfaces of the gypsum wallboard and the joints will have a different texture. To be sure that the joints do not show as shiny vertical stripes it is best to apply texture paint to the walls with a medium to heavy texture paint roller.
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