- 1). Fill holes in the drywall that are larger than 1/2 inch in diameter with patching compound. Mix the compound with water until it is the consistency of peanut butter, then spread it into the hole with a putty knife and scrape the surface flat. Let it set for an hour, or until it changes color to a deep yellow.
- 2). Spread a coat of mud on all nail or screw holes with a 4-inch drywall blade. Spread the mud so it completely covers the hole, then scrape it flat with the blade. Don't worry if it sinks a little and forms a depression. You'll spread another coat later.
- 3). Spread a line of mud along the length of each seam with the 4-inch blade. This line should be slightly wider than the drywall tape, and there should be no voids.
- 4). Rip a piece of paper drywall tape from a roll of tape that is as long as the seam. Dip this in water to moisten it and lay it on top of the seam. Scrape along the surface of the tape with the 4-inch blade to flatten it. This will also remove excess mud from behind the tape, which you can remove and recycle.
- 5). Tape vertical seams first, then horizontal ones. Overlap the ends of the horizontal tale on top of the vertical tape, making sure mud is behind them.
- 6). Tape inside corners by spreading mud on both perpendicular surfaces and laying the tape in the corner so one edge is on either wall. Scrape each side of the tape separately.
- 7). Cover outside corners with metal corner bead. Screw the bead to the wall with drywall screws and a screwdriver, sinking the heads past the surface of the wall. Lay a coat of mud on both walls and scrape it off, keeping the blade in contact with the corner. Allow the first coat of mud to dry overnight.
- 8). Lay a second coat of mud onto all seams and holes with a 6-inch blade. As you scrape, use the wider blade to feather the edge of the mud into the wall to flatten the seam. Let the second coat dry, then apply a third coat in the same way and let it dry.
- 9). Sand the dried mud lightly with medium-grit sandpaper before painting the wall.
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