How to Mud Drywall Tape Before Installing on Drywall

When finishing a drywall installation, professionals usually spread mud, or drywall joint compound, directly on the sheetrock before applying drywall tape. This tape, usually made of a fiberglass mesh or non-adhesive paper, is measured to fit and be applied over joints and seams. Sometimes, particularly on small and hard-to-reach joints, a piece of drywall tape is mudded before being applied to the board.

Things You'll Need

• Fiberglass mesh drywall tape
• Drywall joint compound
• 4-inch drywall knife or trowel
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife or scissors

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Use your utility knife to cut a piece of drywall tape equal to the length of the joint or seam that needs to be covered. Scissors will also work for this task.

   • 2

     Lay the tape in a bucket or pan of drywall joint compound --the drywall mud. Ensure that both sides of the tape are completely covered in the substance.

   • 3

     Place the piece of tape over a joint or seam. Once in place, use a drywall knife or trowel to smooth and secure the tape.