Taping and applying mud to Sheetrock requires a lot of skill.
Sheetrock is also referred to as drywall, plasterboard or gypsum board. Taping and and applying mud to Sheetrock takes practice and a bit of artistry, but it can be done by the homeowner. The process of taping and filling joints and seams takes several days to complete. There are two types of tape, paper tape and fiberglass tape. After the tape is applied, several thin coats of joint compound are used to fill in the seams, butt joints and screw heads. It is important to just apply thin coats and allow it to dry between every coat. This makes it easier when it comes time to sand and paint the Sheetrock.
Instructions
1. Start at one end of the seam or butt joint, and roll the self-adhesive fiberglass tape out, using the 6-inch taping knife to smooth the tape out on the seam or butt joint. At the end of the seam or butt joint, hold the blade of the taping knife at the very end, and pull from one corner to cut the fiberglass tape. Apply the fiberglass tape to all of the seams and butt joints.
2. Measure from the ceiling to the floor in the inside corners. Cut a piece of paper tape at the measurement. Fold the paper tape in half, using the crease in the center as a guide.
3. Apply a thin coat of joint compound to both sides of the inside corner, from the ceiling to the floor, using the 6-inch taping knife Place the paper tape in the corner, so it sticks to the joint compound. Smooth the paper tape out, removing the excess joint compound with the taping knife. Do this on both sides of the corner.
4. Measure the outside corners and cut a piece of metal corner bead to the proper length. Place on the outside corner and screw in place. Check for squareness, sliding the 6-inch tape knife down the corner bead. The edge of the taping knife should only touch on edge of the corner and the other end of the taping knife should touch the Sheetrock, with a space in between. If the knife touches any part of the metal corner bead, except on the point, it is not square.
5. Spread a thin coat of joint compound over the fiberglass tape on the outside corners, seams and butt joints. Smooth the edges of the joint compound out with the taping knife. Allow to complete dry.
6. Spread a thin coat of joint compound to the nail or screws, scrapping the excess joint compound off, using the 6-inch taping knife.
7. Apply a second coat of joint compound to the outside corners, seams, butt joints, inside corners and screws. Smooth excess joint compound out using the 6-inch taping knife.
8. Apply a third coat of joint compound, using the trowel. Apply the joint compound to one edge of the trowel. Slide the edge of the trowel along the seam and butt joint to apply the joint compound. Smooth out both edges to remove excess joint compound, using the 6-inch taping knife. Do this to all outside corners, seams and butt joints.
9. Apply the third coat of joint compound to the nails or screws and to the corners, using the 6-inch taping knife. Allow to completely dry.
10. Sand the excess joint compound smooth and prime the Sheetrock with a good quality drywall primer, before painting.
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