How to Use Mud on Uneven Drywall

In a perfect world, all drywall would be completely level and even. In reality, this doesn't always happen. Uneven drywall installation is a common beginner's mistake, but luckily, drywall mud can conceal a host of errors. While it takes a little extra work to fill in uneven areas with mud, it's a lot easier than pulling the drywall out and rehanging it. However, it may take several tries until you have the surface completely level.

Dropcloths
Gloves
Drywall mud
Trowel
Sandpaper
Level

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the work site. If you have finished flooring, cover it with plastic dropcloths. Wear gloves, since drywall mud can be difficult to wash off.
- 2
  Load up your trowel with drywall mud.
- 3
  Begin building up the uneven area. Apply the mud to the uneven drywall with your trowel using thin coats. Work from the bottom up and apply about a 1/4 inch of mud to the wall. Smooth it out with the edge of your trowel. Keep going until the entire area is level.
- 4
  Check your work. Once the mud sets (reference the manufacturer's instructions on the package for exact set times), place a level over the patched area. The level will indicate whether the wall is uneven. If it's not, add a little more mud until the level reads that the wall is level.
- 5
  Sand down the mud until it is smooth. Use a fine grade of sandpaper.

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