Joint paste is used to fill gaps and depressions in drywall. It comes in premixed buckets or dry packs. Careful planning can reduce the number of seams. To apply, use joint compound, tape, a knife, and sandpaper. Apply a thin layer of compound and tape, let dry, then sand for a smooth finish. Joint compound can also be used to repair small holes or depressions.
Joint paste is a product used to fill the spaces between sheets of drywall and the depressions left by screws after installation or repair. Also called “mud” because of its thick consistency, premixed joint compound typically comes in buckets ranging in size from 1 quart to 5 gallons (about 0.9 to 3.7 liters). Larger, dry packs are also available, but the user must prepare the mixture himself using water.
Typical drywall installation requires multiple sheets, as most walls are larger than even the largest pieces of drywall. Careful planning ahead can minimize the number of pieces used per wall and reduce the number of seams. If the joints and screw holes are not filled with joint filler, the finished wall will not be smooth and therefore not suitable for painting or hanging wallpaper.
To properly apply joint compound to a new wall, you need joint compound, masking tape, a joint knife, and sandpaper. Joint tape comes in both self-adhesive and plain varieties. Self-adhesive tape speeds up the process, but either type can provide good results. Masking tape is not required to fill the screw holes, as the holes must be completely filled with mud for proper work.
Each joint in the wall should be covered with about 1/8 inch (0.32 cm) of joint compound, followed by plain duct tape. If you are using self-adhesive tape, the first application of mud is not necessary. By smoothing the tape against the wall with the taping knife, all air bubbles and excess mud will be pushed out, leaving a smooth surface. When using duct tape and mud for this first step, the seams need to dry for 24 hours before moving on to the next step, smoothing off the excess mud and tape to further smooth the seam. Sanding at this point is unnecessary with self-adhesive tape.
A thin layer of joint compound should be applied to the seam and duct tape and surrounding drywall. The total width of this layer should be approximately 6 inches (15.24cm). Once this layer dries, a final sanding is required to completely smooth the drywall surface in preparation for painting or wallpapering.
Joint compound can also be used to repair small holes or depressions in older walls. Small cracks and holes require only a small amount of mud to repair, as do screw holes since installation. Holes or larger defects may require repairing with a small piece of drywall, creating seams that need to be treated the same way as treating seams in newly installed drywall.
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