Taping & Mudding on Vinyl covered wall board ?

Question

How do you get the mudd on smooth? Without showing the seams? Is it ok to not use the tape?

Answer 1

You need to use the tape or it will crack at the seams later on when it settles some...

Apply a thin layer of mud over the seam just a little bit wider than the tape, then wet the tape and apply it and smooth it out.. let dry...

after the mud/tape is dry.. apply another thin layer of mud over it and let dry...

the thinner your layers of mud and the better you smooth them out will make a LOT of difference in how much sanding you will need to do later.. but it takes time so most people just apply more mud and sand later...

Also, wet the tape before you apply it so that it does not "bubble".. just dip it into a bucket of water and take it right out.. don't soak it...

Keep a wet sponge handy to smooth out some places and to wipe mud off places where you don't want it...

Use a larger trowel to smooth the mud over a wide area.. practice a bit on the first part.

Answer 2

I've taped for 2 decades and I think it's well worth trying to get a dvd online of how to do it.

or, buy the joint compound, tape and 6 or 8 inch blade and ask someone in home depot to show you how; they should have 5 years experience w/ taping.

Answer 3

you always need to tape the cracks will always show if you use just mudd ( It dries differently and will absorb into that crack)