Is it necessary to use drywall tape when drywalling?

Question

The seams are lined up great, and whenever I use tape with the mud, it ends up looking really sloppy no matter how careful I am sanding and mudding. The couple times I didn't use tape, it looks great, but my husband has a cow.

Answer 1

Run some drywall mud down the seam, then hold the top end of your tape as you bring the blade down firmly embadding it in the mud. Never use too much mud at once. Once you have the taped fixed then run more down the joint using a blade that covers both sides of the tapered joint just filling up the void. then with firm on stroke run from one end to the other with big blade and even pressure to take off excess.

Anyone who tells you that tape is not needed doesnt know what they are talking about, also mesh tape is for what the trade is called hot mud - not what your doing. A little time taken over smoothing out will leave very little sanding, good luck.

Answer 2

I would definitely use drywall tape where the two pieces meet. It's essential this is done or the drywall compound will crack over time and you will see these cracks. The drywall tape allows the drywall to move when the house shifts or the drywall expands and contracts with temperature changes without cracking the mud. You can use an adhesive mesh tape instead of the traditional drywall tape. The mesh tape is easier to apply and is self adhesive. If you use the standar tape, apply a thin coat of drywall compound to the joint first, then apply the drwall tape. Use a small drywall knife (3 or 4") and smooth the tape into the mud. Then apply another coat and let this dry. Then apply another thin coat using a broader knife (6" or 8"). Let this dry. Make sure you sand down any large lumps that might appear. Then apply another thin coat using a 10" or 12" knife. When applying the compound, hold the knife at about a 45 degree angle to the wall. As you bring the knife down, change the angle so that the handle of the knife gets closer to the wall. This will help smooth out the drywall. Make one pass and one pass only. Going back over it will cause lumps and could remove some of the compound out of the joint as well as shift the tape underneath. Good luck!

Answer 3

Taping covers the gap between every butting piece of drywall. While it may not seem necessary at first, walls shift, contract, and expand over time. Without tape, you will see cracks appearing at every joint.

You can try adhesive mesh tape. This kind prevents the kinking and buckling you sometimes see with regular tape. Also, using drywall with tapered edges allows the tape to be buried under the mud, making for a smooth finish. Remember also that mudding is a several step process, so you'll need to sand and reapply the compound several times for the perfect finish.

All professional drywallers use tape and there's a reason. It is necessary.

Answer 4

How To Apply Drywall Tape

Answer 5

How To Use Drywall Tape

Answer 6

First use a six or eight inch knife for the first coat of compound under the tape. When you apply it, put it on fairly thick BUT then drag the knife like you're trying to squeeze it all back out from under the tape. This leaves a thin coat which will dry faster and will cut down on sanding. Previous to the next coat, take the knife and knock down any big chunks and ridges then spread another thin coat the same way. After you're satisfied with the finish, probably 2 coats after the initial tape, although the texture will hide a lot, put on a coat of primer, I would recommend KILZ for a garage. If you are talking about spray texture ( acoustical) mix your paint right into the powder and thin as needed with water. Spray your ceiling and make sure you clean up the sprayer right away (and the rest of the mess). Hope this helps and Merry Christmas!!!

Answer 7

you must use tape on the joints otherwise the taping mud will shrink and leave a crack showing through the paint. done right with 3 coats of mud and the right size trowels, first coat 3 inch, second 6 inch ,third 12 inch, it should be smooth. theres a lot to taping sheetrock to make walls look good. thats why the people who do it go to school and learn the tricks that make us contractors look good

Answer 8

Use the tape. It helps prevents cracks from appearing when the drywall expands and contracts.

Use a narrower knife - about 6 inches wide - to put a thin coat of compound on the joint first, then smooth it, and put on the tape. Put another thin coat of compound over that, and smoothe it.

After it dries, if it needs more compound, use a wider knife, like 9 inches. If it needs more still (and you can't sand it) go for a 12 inch wide knife.

Answer 9

It might look ok now, but after you paint and life happens and the wall shifts, cracks will start to form. Mudding is a pain in the *** I know, but you've got to do it. If you don't like the tape, try the mesh. Try your local home improvement store for mini-classes or seminars on these things, they often have them and you'll learn a ton!

Answer 10

The tape helps support the mud in the joint and prevents cracking. You could try using a fiber mesh instead of the tape, it's thinner but still gives the joint some support.