[Sir MixAlot]

I thought I would share some tips and info on drywall. Ive been in the trade for over 20 years. I would be happy to answer any questions on the process. Although I don't know all of the answers , I know some of the other pro's on here most likely will.

First check out these links:

Drywall how to guide
&
Levels of drywall finishing

 

[Knucklez]

you know what problem i have with drywall.. is application of mud over tape. first i put some mud on the seam, maybe 1/8" thick and wider than the tape. then i press the tape in and run a dry spatula over the tape so it presses into the mud and no wrinkles.

all seems good.

then, when it drys i use 12" spatula and spread on some mud and i find that the tape bubbles up! you can press on the bubbles and its like it no longer is sticking to the drywall, where just 5minutes ago it was!

so i go to sticky mesh tape instead..

what was i doing wrong?

Knucklez

 

[skizsam]

you know what problem i have with drywall.. is application of mud over tape. first i put some mud on the seam, maybe 1/8" thick and wider than the tape. then i press the tape in and run a dry spatula over the tape so it presses into the mud and no wrinkles.

all seems good.

then, when it drys i use 12" spatula and spread on some mud and i find that the tape bubbles up! you can press on the bubbles and its like it no longer is sticking to the drywall, where just 5minutes ago it was!

so i go to sticky mesh tape instead..

what was i doing wrong?

Knucklez

I use the sticky yellow mesh tape purchased at lowes. I find that to be the best

 

[RippySkippy]

you know what problem i have with drywall.. is application of mud over tape. first i put some mud on the seam, maybe 1/8" thick and wider than the tape. then i press the tape in and run a dry spatula over the tape so it presses into the mud and no wrinkles.

all seems good.

then, when it drys i use 12" spatula and spread on some mud and i find that the tape bubbles up! you can press on the bubbles and its like it no longer is sticking to the drywall, where just 5minutes ago it was!

so i go to sticky mesh tape instead..

what was i doing wrong?

Knucklez

How long are you waiting for the "next" coat? If it's really dry, then it will not bubble up. It could be that your're pressing on the taping knife too hard and pushing the mud out from under it. Then when you put the next coat on, the moisture is allowing it to lift from the drywall.

Have you tried using a durabond for the taping coat? It sets up much like concrete rather than drying like premixed compound. Since I've made the switch...I would never go back to pre-mixed...even for the top coat....use the easy sand dry, mix what you want/need. For small areas and patches, I love the 20 minute mud.

 

[Knucklez]

i wait atleast 24 hrs before next coat.

but the original coat, i.e. mud between wall & tape, i press the tape down HARD into the mud. maybe yes.. i am squishing out all the mud & then moisture lifts the tape on 2nd coat.

your theory seems to match my experience. could be true. i'll keep this in mind for next time (though my wife is loosing patience with my lack of tape/mud skillz) :thumbsup:

Knucklez

 

[RippySkippy]

Years ago when I just started messing with this stuff...I found that I over-worked the mud, and would end up with a bigger mess than when I started. Work on your techniques, the key is moderation...don't push too hard...but "hard enough", don't use mud too thin..."but thin enough"...don't over sand...but "sand just enough". Time and experience will provide you with the "enough" parameters...

Everyone has their techniques that work...and no one can make you into a drywall finisher. You have to put in the hours or find yourself a really good mentor...it's not rocket science...but it does require a touch. Hang in there...it'll come to ya...but it will take time....

 

[mark942]

Any good tips on taping butt sections?

 

[bjbatlanta]

If your tape bubbles after 24 hrs. of drying, you're not getting enough mud under the tape - a nice even coat. There are voids in there. If you do use mesh (flats only, always paper in the corners) use a setting type compound for AT LEAST the first coat. The EZ sand products available at the big boxes are fine. And a couple of thin coats over the tape are better than trying to pile the mud on to cover with one coat....

 

[skeeter 152]

anyone use auto taping tools?

 

[bjbatlanta]

For DIYer's??

 

[Sir MixAlot]

Any good tips on taping butt sections?

Mark, When hand taping on my butt joints, I use fiber tape. 2nd, use a 6" knife and durabond (Place mud about 5"'s wide). let dry. 3rd,use a 12" knife each side of previous coat w/all purpose joint compound (place mud 11"'s wide on each side of seam). Let dry. 4th, sand center and edges lightly. 5th, check for flatness w/ 12" knife by placing horizontally to the seam. 6th, add mud as need for flatness.:thumbsup:

 

[mark942]

Mark, When hand taping on my butt joints, I use fiber tape. 2nd, use a 6" knife and durabond (Place mud about 5"'s wide). let dry. 3rd,use a 12" knife each side of previous coat w/all purpose joint compound (place mud 11"'s wide on each side of seam). Let dry. 4th, sand center and edges lightly. 5th, check for flatness w/ 12" knife by placing horizontally to the seam. 6th, add mud as need for flatness.:thumbsup:

Thank you Sir mixalot for reaffirming that it just takes a bit more time to do. I have to admit to having a bit of a bulge at that particular seam. I have even gone as far as beveling the edges with a grader to help this problem. But it all boils down to 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,steps, and maybe 8 in my case. Thanks once again.

 

[Willie T]

Years ago when I just started messing with this stuff...I found that I over-worked the mud, and would end up with a bigger mess than when I started. Work on your techniques, the key is moderation...don't push too hard...but "hard enough", don't use mud too thin..."but thin enough"...don't over sand...but "sand just enough". Time and experience will provide you with the "enough" parameters...

Everyone has their techniques that work...and no one can make you into a drywall finisher. You have to put in the hours or find yourself a really good mentor...it's not rocket science...but it does require a touch. Hang in there...it'll come to ya...but it will take time....

The old timers had an expression I learned more than 45 years ago... "Work it long, work it wrong".

 

[Sir MixAlot]

Useful Links.Thanks for sharing

Glad to be able to help.:thumbsup:

 

[HABSFAN2006]

Glad to be able to help.:thumbsup:

Question for ya... what is the advantage of placing mud in a straight line covering all screws in that specific grid, as opposed to two or three different patches of mud? I noticed some people do this..
is it to trick the eye and eliminate the "patch look" of different mud locations? Seems like more mud than is needed...
also, is it better to have them vertical up/down on a wall application?
I have successfully done the patch methode before & primed/painted with good results...

 

[Sir MixAlot]

Question for ya... what is the advantage of placing mud in a straight line covering all screws in that specific grid, as opposed to two or three different patches of mud? I noticed some people do this..
is it to trick the eye and eliminate the "patch look" of different mud locations? Seems like more mud than is needed... Speed. It's one motion for multple fasteners. Instead of one motion for each fastener. Which turns into alot of time saved on large job.
also, is it better to have them vertical up/down on a wall application? I think vertical is more of a natural motion.
I have successfully done the patch methode before & primed/painted with good results... Both way's are fine.

Hope this helps. :thumbup1:

 

[HABSFAN2006]

Hope this helps. :thumbup1:

great, thanks! I can imagine you could save some time for sure.

 

[bjbatlanta]

Yep, say if you're using screws spaced every 8" or so it's much faster to "swipe" them vertically. If you're gluing and nailing with one set of nails in the field, it's easier to just spot the individual set than "swipe" across several studs horizontally.

 

[Sir MixAlot]

great, thanks! I can imagine you could save some time for sure.

And saving time = $$$$$$$$$ :thumbup:

 

[HABSFAN2006]

Although I am only a diy'er, I have worked on 4 basement projects and gaining much skill / experience with drywall and pulling joints, but I always like to work like the pro's work.. use the tools, materials, they use, and methods they use... I know the guys that did my home at construction did not use a corner trowel, and insisted on applying mud to one side at a time in corners to allow faster drying and finish the next day.
I am not a fan of corner trowels as they are not wide enough for finishing coats anyways.
Do you guys use them?