DIY Mudding & Taping Sheet

Inspect the wall for any protruding nail or screw heads. Set them just below the surface of the sheetrock. Look for any dents or places where drywall paper is torn or defaced. Use a 5-inch drywall knife and joint compound to fill nail or screw heads holes, and any other dents or defects. Press the compound firmly into the hole and smooth it with the knife, feathering the edges to the surface of the surrounding paper.

Fasten adhesive-backed fiberglass mesh drywall tape over all seams between drywall sheets. Press the tape firmly against the drywall on both sides of the seam. Cover corners with special corner tape or metal bead, bent to fit over outside corners or into inside corners. Fasten metal bead with small nails through holes in the bead.

Spread a layer of compound over the seams with a 5-inch drywall knife, pressing the compound into the gap between sheets and smoothing the edges with the knife. Use a special joint knife, with a v-shaped head, to apply compound to outside and inside corners, and feather it on the edges with a regular drywall knife. Let that coat dry and smooth it with a power sander and fine sandpaper.

Apply a second coat of mud over all areas, nail and screw heads, dents, seams and corners. Spread this coat thinner and feather it wider than the first coat. Let that coat dry and sand it smooth. Inspect all mudded areas and apply a third coat if necessary to smooth the mud evenly to make a smooth, solid surface on the wall.