What kind of projects can you do around your house?

BigRedBuster said:
Totally agree. I can hang it. Taping and mudding, no. 
 

I had to retake a few corners in this project. I suck at it. I even rewatched some YouTube videos this time and still it was a struggle. They make it look so easy. Id love for an expert to watch me and tell me what I’m doing wrong. 
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what is the problem?

 
BigRedBuster said:
You can always see where the tape is. A normal joint in the middle of the wall, I can do pretty well. Anything like the corners I was working on, I can’t get it all smooth. 
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sounds like you either don't get the first coat thin enough....or the 2nd coat heavy enough.   you really have to get the first coat flattened out then build up the corner a bit and feather it out to get the tape covered with the 2nd coat.  

 
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commando said:
sounds like you either don't get the first coat thin enough....or the 2nd coat heavy enough.   you really have to get the first coat flattened out then build up the corner a bit and feather it out to get the tape covered with the 2nd coat.  
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In other words, keep your head down and slightly change your stance and grip  :lol:

 
BigRedBuster said:
You can always see where the tape is. A normal joint in the middle of the wall, I can do pretty well. Anything like the corners I was working on, I can’t get it all smooth. 
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If you can, try practicing in an area that will rarely be seen like a closet, garage, etc. It's like a lot of finish work - requires skill and practice.

If your tape is not sticking to the mud, then try lightly dampening the backside of the tape with a sponge. I've done that successfully a couple times when the air is really dry here in Colorado.

 
RedDenver said:
If you can, try practicing in an area that will rarely be seen like a closet, garage, etc. It's like a lot of finish work - requires skill and practice.

If your tape is not sticking to the mud, then try lightly dampening the backside of the tape with a sponge. I've done that successfully a couple times when the air is really dry here in Colorado.
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Yeah, um, practicing in a garage is exactly when I figured out I have no business attempting to tape drywall.  :lol:
 

But maybe not getting the tape damp was my problem because that is exactly what happened, the tape didn’t stick. So a good pointer for anybody who may want to try. Not this cat though, I’ll pay the professionals.

 
commando said:
sounds like you either don't get the first coat thin enough....or the 2nd coat heavy enough.   you really have to get the first coat flattened out then build up the corner a bit and feather it out to get the tape covered with the 2nd coat.  
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Sounds like I’m doing it just the opposite. I thought I was supposed to put a decent amount on and push the tape into the mud. Then scrape it smooth. Let it dry. Then a thin coat over it. 
 

Thanks. But, I’d be happy never doing it again. 

 
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