About Drywall Joint Tape
Drywall contractors commonly use large gypsum panels in the construction of interior walls. These panels provide a smooth surface for painting or applying wall covering, after the installer fills the cracks between the panels with joint compound. Drywall joint tape provides an additional level of strength and assists the taper in applying the joint compound.
Function
Apply drywall joint tape directly on the seam where two drywall panels meet. When installed correctly, the cracks between the panels will be very small; the installers strive to butt the drywall sheets as tightly together as possible. Standard walls are 8-feet high and standard drywall panels are 8-feet long, however, on taller walls, purchase 10-foot or 12-foot panels instead of cutting and fitting small sections together.
Features
Drywall joint tape adds control when taping the seams. Professional drywall joint tape is made of 2-inch wide paper that comes in a large roll. The paper is thin and adheres to the seam by use of a thin layer of joint compound, applied to the crack beneath. A handy, do-it-yourself person may benefit from an adhesive fiber-mesh tape that sticks on the dry panels. The mesh tape is slightly thicker than the paper tape and may require additional coats of joint compound to achieve a smooth surface.
Effects
The purpose of applying drywall tape and joint compound is to achieve a smooth surface, however, joint compound shrinks when it dries and the uneven application of either the tape or the compound can result in unsightly bulges or bubbles. To reduce the risk, use three or more very light applications of joint compound on each seam, applying the joint tape only once, during the first taping application.
Considerations
Cut the tape a couple of inches shorter than your wall seam on both ends. Using an 8-inch taping knife, smooth compound into the seam, using light pressure to fill the crack. The compound should be flat on the seam with no bulges. Carefully put your paper tape on top of the wet compound strip and use the taping knife to smooth it down, starting at the middle of the tape and lightly stroking lengthwise, first one way and then the other. Remove additional compound from the edges and allow the seam to dry completely before appling subsequent coats of joint compound.
Prevention/Solution
Make a drywall plan on paper before installing the panels on your wall. Notice a very slight indentation on the edges of the drywall; this is the taping edge and when two taping edges fit snugly together, it forms a 2-inch indentation where you will place the tape and the compound. Every seam is a potential uneven spot on your wall so use as few panels as possible and do not cut the panels into small pieces. Sand the dry joint compound between each application and after the final application for a smoother wall.
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