How to Mud Drywall Around the Electrical Box

Mix the drywall compound with water, using the ratio the manufacturer recommends. Cover the floor under the electrical box with a dropcloth or tarp that catches any loose compound. Mark the location of your electrical box and score the edges of the location with a utility knife.

Apply a thin layer of mud to the walls around the electrical box with a putty knife. Apply the mixture to joints, seams and nails or screws. Scrape off the excess mud with the putty knife. Let the mud dry for several hours or overnight.

Tear off strips of the drywall tape and use on any seams or joints around the electric box. Run the utility knife flat against the tape, cutting off the excess. If the electrical box sits in the middle of a seam or two pieces of drywall, cut the tape 1/4 inch from the edge of the box.

Cover the tape with a second coat of drywall compound. Once the compound dries, sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, removing any bumps or imperfections. Apply a third coat of drywall compound to all areas around the electrical box and let dry.

Sand the top layer of drywall compound. Run the utility knife around the utility box and pop out the piece of drywall on top of where the box will sit. Wrap a small piece of sandpaper around the edge of the utility box and rub up and down. Repeat the process on all sides of the box until you remove any excess mud and leave behind a smooth surface.