mudding inside corners, ARGH!!!

I have just finished drywalling my half bath and taped and mudded it. Applying the inside corner taps was a bear to get smooth. Had to sand alot. Is there any easy way to do this? Is the second coat going to be easier? What is the best way to get a nice surface? Any help would be great!

skeeter

 

First of all there should be no reason to sand in between each coat. All you should need to do is to run your knife up or down to knock off the big lumps that cause your knife to jump. It is also a good idea to thin the mud with water (maybe about 8 oz) and power mix it so it is smooth. Mud from a bucket is much too think.

The trick to inside corners is to do only only side at a time. Let it dry completely, and then do the other side. The other option is to use an inside corner knife but it can take some time to master.

Here is a good artical to look at if you wish: Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions To Tape Drywall | Walls | Reader's Digest

 

I hope you used paper tape or a pre-made inside corner. Be safe, G

 

Yes i used a paper tape that has a built-in crease. It folds easily for corners. And thanks Tolyn that link really helped.

skeeter

 

You can also invest in a corner trowel that will make the job easier, they're available at your local big box store or lumber yard and make the job much easier.

 

I used the corner tool, and it worked wonders. I loaded the corner with mud from a 10 inch knife all the way down the corner. Then I went down the corner with the trowel. You have to be firm but not press.

The trick is to remember that you will have a crisp corner, and the edge will stink on that first coat. Coats 2 and 3 are to feather the edge out.