DIY Haven Forums

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to achieve that perfect, invisible drywall seam. I've tried various methods, but I always seem to end up with minor imperfections that show up under paint. Can anyone share their tried-and-true techniques for seamless taping and mudding? I'm talking about butt joints, inside/outside corners, and anything else that makes for a professional finish.

Here are some specific areas I struggle with:

• Getting tape to lay perfectly flat without bubbles.
• Achieving feather edges that truly disappear.
• Dealing with paper tape versus mesh tape.
• Multiple thin coats versus fewer thick coats.

Any tips on tools, mud consistency, or drying times would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Hi DrywallGuru88,

Great question! Seamless joints are definitely the holy grail. My biggest tip for flat tape is to use a good quality self-adhesive mesh tape for butt joints, and ensure your mud bed is consistent. For paper tape, a thin, even layer of mud underneath is crucial, and a wider taping knife for the first coat helps.

Key points from my experience:

• Mud Consistency: Aim for peanut butter thickness. Too thin, and it won't fill; too thick, and it's hard to spread and feather.
• Multiple Thin Coats: This is key for feathering. Let each coat dry *completely* and sand lightly before applying the next. Usually 3 coats are sufficient.
• Feathering: Use wider knives for each subsequent coat. Start with a 6-inch knife, then 8-inch, then 10-inch or 12-inch. Always work beyond the previous coat's edge.
• Corners: For inside corners, a corner tool or a wide taping knife used at an angle works wonders. For outside corners, metal or plastic corner bead is a must, followed by mud.

Don't rush the process, and good lighting is your best friend for spotting imperfections before they're painted over!

Great advice from JediPlasterer! I'd add that using a "hot mud" (setting-type compound) for the first coat, especially over tape, can be a game-changer for faster drying and harder finish, though it's less forgiving if you make mistakes.

For bubbles under the tape, make sure the wall surface is clean and dry. If using paper tape, lightly dampen it before applying to help it adhere better. A good drywall sprayer can also help in applying thin, even coats of mud for texturing or final finish if that's the goal, but for seamless joints, knives are best.