How to Taper Drywall Edges Like a Pro
Understanding Drywall Tapers
When you examine a piece of drywall, you’ll notice a slight taper on each long edge. When two tapered edges meet, they form a V-shaped void that can be easily filled with drywall compound, creating an invisible joint.
However, joining two tapered edges is not always possible. Sometimes, you may encounter straight factory edges or cuts that create straight edges. In these cases, you can still create a seamless joint using the butt joint method.
Materials
- Paper drywall tape
- Drywall compound (mud)
- Drywall sanding screen
- Utility knife
- 12-inch wide drywall knife
- 6-inch narrow drywall knife
- Drywall sander and pole
- Breathing protection (N95 respirator mask)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Remove Stray Paper
Using a sharp utility knife, run it at a 45-degree angle down the length of each butt edge to remove any stray paper sticking out. This prevents the paper from creating an unsightly ridge when the edges are pressed together.
2. Apply the Tape
Cut a piece of drywall tape to the length of the seam. Apply a thin layer of drywall compound to the seam using a broad drywall knife. Press the tape into the compound to secure it. Remove any bubbles or folds by lightly pulling the drywall knife over the tape at an angle.
3. Let It Dry
Allow the tape to dry thoroughly before proceeding. If the tape is not dry, it may slide around and become difficult to fix.
4. Apply the Drywall Compound
Use a narrow drywall knife to apply a narrow band of drywall compound over the tape. Keep the compound low and work out any peaks or bubbles. Quickly scrape off any excess compound beyond the seam.
5. Spot-Sand the Area (If Needed)
Excessive sanding can damage the paper covering on the drywall. Sand only if there are any peaks or bumps that need to be removed. Use light pressure and only sand the problem areas.
6. Apply More Drywall Compound
Use a broad drywall knife to apply more drywall compound over the seam, extending beyond the previous layer. Feather out the compound so that it seamlessly merges with the surrounding drywall.
7. Sand the Seam
After the compound has dried, sand the seam with a drywall sander. Aim for a smooth transition from the seam to the drywall on either side, rather than bringing the seam down flat.
Tips for Perfect Drywall Joints
- Apply only as much drywall compound as needed to avoid excessive sanding.
- Use dust-control drywall compound for a cleaner worksite.
- Transfer the drywall compound to a mud pan for better application.
- If you encounter difficulties, consider hiring a professional drywall company.
Answers to Common Questions
- Why are the edges of drywall tapered? Drywall edges are tapered to create a space for drywall mud to be applied and sanded, resulting in a smooth and seamless finish.
- How wide is the tapered edge on drywall? The tapered edge, also known as a beveled edge, is only 1/8-inch thinner than the rest of the drywall, creating a slight indentation.
- How do you prevent butt joints in drywall? Using larger pieces of drywall can help reduce the number of seams, potentially eliminating butt joints.
Troubleshooting Irregularities
- Uneven but edges: Use a drywall corner tool to create a perfect tapered edge against a ceiling.
- Non-tapered edge: Use a drywall bevel tool to create a slight taper on a non-tapered edge.
- Bubbles or folds in tape: Remove bubbles or folds by lightly pulling the drywall knife over the tape at an angle.
By following these steps and tips, you can achieve professional-looking drywall joints that are smooth, seamless, and virtually invisible.