[1995droptopz]

So like you I struggled with the whole tape/mud thing for years. Then a couple years ago I was drywalling a basement bathroom, and I decided to give it a try again, since it was a smaller space, and I did not have a tight timeline. I did a bit of research online, and found a forum post which suggested the following procedure (paraphrase):

1. Install drywall as evenly and level as possible. Use shims if necessary to true up boards.

2. Fill any large gaps/holes with joint compound and let dry completely. This gets the surface flat and helps prevent bubbles in tape

3. Next step is installing tape. Use a 6" knife to spread a thin layer of joint compound. I use Hot Mud since it is stronger. Cut a piece of paper tape to size, wrap it around your hand, and dunk it in a wet bucket or water for just a brief moment. Squeegee excess water off with your fingers, then press tape into the joint compound. Now starting on one end, run the joint knife over the tape for its entire length with medium pressure at about a 45 degree angle. This will squeeze out some of the joint compound, but not too much. Leave it at this point and let it dry.

4. Now go over tape joints once they dry with a thin layer of joint compound with a 6" knife Don't use too much or you will have to sand it off.

5. Go over it again once it dries with progressively larger knifes until the joint is flat and imperfections are gone. If you didnt use too much compound, then you should be able to just do a light sanding.