This is my first drywall project
#1
05-01-12, 12:58 PM
This is my first drywall project
I need to mud my sheetrock. I would like to take my time and get it right. But not so much so that the mud hardens before I'm done. How big of an area would you suggest to work with at a time? Also, I was reading that I should spread each seam mudding out, between each 24hr drying. Is 3-4 inches wide enough for each seam? The very last mud coat, should it cover the whole wall, or just what's mudded? I know it's supposed to be very thin(last one). You help is greatly appreciated!
#2
05-01-12, 01:43 PM
Welcome to the forums Tammy!
Basically you embed the tape in a coat of mud removing the excess with your knife. I like to tape with an angled 3" knife although some prefer to use 4"- 6" knifes. The 2nd coat [tape coat needs to be good and dry to prevent tape lifting] is spread a little wider - I use a 6" knife. The final coat is generally applied with a 10"-12" knife. Each coat of mud will be a little wider than the previous coat. Most joints when finished are approximately 8" wide except for butt joints - they often need to get floated out close to 2' to make them disappear.
You'll want a mud pan to work out of. Thin coats usually work better than thicker ones, personally I'd rather apply an extra coat of mud than do any extra sanding. Generally only the final coat gets sanded but a lot depends on how well you applied the previous coats.
A skim coat will cover the entire wall and does produce the nicest finish but generally just applying the mud to the joints and nail heads is sufficient.
Mixing the mud makes it easier to apply. I like to add a small amount of water to the mud to make it slide even better
Basically you embed the tape in a coat of mud removing the excess with your knife. I like to tape with an angled 3" knife although some prefer to use 4"- 6" knifes. The 2nd coat [tape coat needs to be good and dry to prevent tape lifting] is spread a little wider - I use a 6" knife. The final coat is generally applied with a 10"-12" knife. Each coat of mud will be a little wider than the previous coat. Most joints when finished are approximately 8" wide except for butt joints - they often need to get floated out close to 2' to make them disappear.
You'll want a mud pan to work out of. Thin coats usually work better than thicker ones, personally I'd rather apply an extra coat of mud than do any extra sanding. Generally only the final coat gets sanded but a lot depends on how well you applied the previous coats.
A skim coat will cover the entire wall and does produce the nicest finish but generally just applying the mud to the joints and nail heads is sufficient.
Mixing the mud makes it easier to apply. I like to add a small amount of water to the mud to make it slide even better
#3
05-01-12, 03:31 PM
Group Moderator
I like to add about 1 sponge of water (the kind you use for grout) to a 4.5 gal bucket of mud for the 2nd and 3rd coats. First coat I use 2 sponges but I use a Banjo. Some people say that is too thin but it works for me. Gives a good smooth finish.
It does take practice so be patient with your self. Check out Youtube for videos on taping.
It does take practice so be patient with your self. Check out Youtube for videos on taping.
#4
05-02-12, 06:31 AM
Group Moderator
Drywall mud is pretty forgiving, you can always sand it off and start over if you really screw up.
If this is your first time, don't expect great results, there's a lot of art in mudding and nothing but practice will develop that skill in you.
If this is your first time, don't expect great results, there's a lot of art in mudding and nothing but practice will develop that skill in you.
