Why do you need drywall tape? Why can't you just put mud over the seams?

Question

I'm having a problem using joint tape, and I was wondering if you really needed it. I was also wondering If anyone had any additional tips on mudding.

Answer 1

When "mudding" a seam, it is essential to use tape to avoid the seam from constant cracking. If you find taping is so difficult, I would suggest using a different kind of tape. There are 2 kinds of tape: paper tape which needs to be applied with mud under it, and then theres mesh tape. Mesh tape, although i highly recommend against it, is much easier to apply, but it is definitely better than nothing at all. Mesh tape has a self adhesive that will hold it to the wall until you go over it with mud. However, mesh tape cracks too over time. It seems you feel more comfortable mudding than you do taping, but taping is not something to be skipped or you really are just postponing the inevitable, which is a very unprofessional cracked out seam. My advise would be to thin your mud down with water to make it easier to manuver during taping. Use paper tape. Put mud over the seam at least the width of the tape you are using to avoid blistering, otherwords air bubbles under the tape. Wipe the tape tight starting at the middle and working the tape towards each end. Same thing goes with the angles, mud, then fold tape in half and put it right into the angle and wipe, always starting at the middle and working towards the ends. In angles it is much easier to do with a smaller 5 inch knife, seams with either a 8 inch or 10 inch. Now after taping is dry, coat the seams evenly with a 10 inch knife. Coating takes practice, but is fairly simple. Apply the mud evenly, then wipe the edges tight and do your finish stroke right down the middle of the seam. Let dry and repeat, using less mud each coat. The third coat is just a tight wipe to smooth out your work and to make sanding easier. Prime and paint after and tada! Have fun, but dont, DON'T skip the tape!!!!

Answer 2

After installing thousands of sq. ft. of drywall under various conditions, and having used thousands of gallons of "Mud", I have to agree with most that answer cracking.

Mud shrinks as it drys, and if applied too heavily initially will crack no matter tape or not. One rationale is that "tape" helps hold the mud into the joints, but also "Joints" are compressed to allow for taping and mudding, sanding, painting, and a smooth, invisible flow.

I stopped using "paper" tape a long time ago, and now use mesh exclusively. It is usually sold with a mild adhesive back, allowing that you don'y have to have a MUD knife loaded immediately to cover it.

I'm sure you may get many valid answers and suggestions. I'm just offering mine. A GOOD MUDDER will likely be able to TWO coat a seam and leave it, so minimal sanding is needed. The process can't be accomplished in one coat anyway, given that mud does shrink. "HOT MUD" applications done by very well qualified mudders are great in my opinion, but I'm kinda "old school" Also and especially if this is a DIY issue, consider that TIME IS MONEY isn't as important, "Always" as Quality in the end result.

Certainly the less residue you leave in each coat applied means less work after the fact. Raw drywall should probably be "primed" anyway in the paint process.

I also use "mesh pads" as opposed to sand paper, and use them on a rubber backed tool that attaches to a handle. That allows freedom of movement without having to use a ladder in normal houses.

Backing up to primer coat: If you've done everything right in appliaction and sanding, and before you close up the Mud bucket for good, prime the appliactions at least, let them dry and check the finish. If you can't see anything but smooth, then YA DONE GOOD...smile.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Drywall Seams

Answer 4

The seams will crack without the drywall tape.
Try self adhesive mesh tape (netted). You can just stick it on and mud over it.

Answer 5

if you just mud the seams they will crack as the dry wall mud drys apply a layer of mud over seam and then apply tape it is easier if you have a tape holder after you apply tape pull mud tight to wall let dry then apply second coat with a 10in knife to fill factory bevel edge pull sides tight not to make ridge let dry then go back over with 12in knife pull really tight to smooth out imperfections let dry sand this process takes years to perfect i been at it for 13 years

Answer 6

Adding to what what Steven said, :Is it worth messing with it yourself? A good mudder will be in and out pretty quickly, and the job should be first rate. If you've never done this before, I would hire someone to mud the joints. Spend your time elsewhere on the project.

Answer 7

these are the steps i take when painting new drywall as in a newly constructed home , after all seems look and feel smooth , i dust or ''broom'' down the walls removing excess compound dust , i completely prime the walls as if it is the first coat , then pole sand the whole wall , that will smooth down any loose grit picked up in the ''priming'' coat , and it will also expose any areas that need more attention with compound , fix if needed sand as needed , apply first coat , some times lightly pole sand again then 2nd coat

Answer 8

They make better, stronger adhering tape to make the job easier. If you don't use tape, the joints will crack and sink, don't even think about it.

Answer 9

your houde expands and contract with the changes in temps and the seams will always split without the tape.

Answer 10

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