Apply Joint Compound to Drywall

Here is how you can easily apply joint compound to drywall, having it smooth and easy to manage.

Steps

 * 1)  Apply drywall tape to the places surrounding where you are about to drywall.
 * 2)  Apply the drywall compound from right to left. If doing a corner, apply from the corner out. Apply compound four inches from the edge or corner on both sides.
 * 3)  After this dries, use 120 grit sandpaper to sand down the surface. After doing this, apply another coat of compound onto the surface. To do this, use a 8 inch compound knife. Be careful to feather this coat of compound further than the first.
 * 4)   When this dries, sand again, only this time use 200 grit sandpaper. Then apply a 3rd coat of compound, feathering it to ensure it is smooth. After all of the coats dry, sandpaper it once more using the 200 grit paper.
 * 5)   Now you must apply an even coat of joint compound. Apply this 4 inches from the edge for a corner. To do this, use a 4 inch finish knife. Be sure to feather the compound as you do this.
 * 6)  After drying, sand it down using 120 grit paper. Then apply the next coat by using an 8 inch compound knife. Don't forget to feather this coat 2 or 3 inches past the edge of the coat you previously did. Sand this down using 120 grit paper. After this dries, apply a final coat, finishing it off by sanding it with 200 grit sandpaper.

Tips

 * Make sure to feather the compound carefully.

Warnings

 * Make sure to cover surrounding areas with tape to avoid ruining paint jobs, especially when working with corners.

Things You'll Need

 * Drywall tape
 * 120 and 200 grit sandpaper
 * 8 inch compound knife
 * Joint compound
 * 4 inch taping knife
 * 12" finish knife

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Install a Wall Niche
 * How to Use Sheetrock to Keep Things Dry
 * How to Repair Holes in Drywall
 * How to Tape and Mud Drywall

Sources and Citations

 * http://video.bobvila.com/m/21291700/how-to-apply-joint-compound-to-drywall-corners.htm