How to Tape a Small Drywall Joint or Patch
Tape a joint between supported board edges or around a patch with mesh or paper tape. Use self-adhesive mesh with setting compound for quick repairs.
What you need
Model 09062Self-Adhesive Fiberglass Joint Tape, 2” x 50' Roll
$3.01 each$2.05 each at 100 or more
Model 02500Black & Silver® 3-1/2” Flexible Putty Knife/Scraper
$13.72 each$9.33 each at 100 or more
Model 02870Black & Silver® 6” Flexible HH Putty Knife/Scraper
$15.37 each$10.45 each at 100 or more
Model 065574" Super Flexx SS Putty Knife
$14.84 each$10.09 each at 100 or more
Model 067575" Super Flexx SS Putty Knife
$17.23 each$11.72 each at 100 or more
Model 02355Black & Silver® 3” Flexible HH Putty Knife/Scraper
$11.77 each$8.00 each at 100 or more
- setting-type joint compound
- all-purpose joint compound
- paper tape
- primer
Steps
- Press each side of the joint with a finger and watch under raking light. Panels must sit tight to the framing with screw heads below the surface.
- Clean off loose paper, dried compound, dust and oil.
- Press self-adhesive mesh onto the clean, dry joint without stretching it.
- Press setting compound through the mesh with a firm pass of the 6-inch knife. Frosting the top leaves a hollow joint.
- For paper tape, bed it in a continuous layer of compound and wipe from the middle toward each end.
- Feather each later coat wider and thinner with the SuperFlexx knives.
- Sand tool marks lightly, remove the dust, then prime.
Tips
- Roll length changes supply, not strength.
- Do not use mesh in an inside corner. Paper tape suits corners.
- A wider feather stops a patch showing as a rectangle in side light.
- Do not recoat just because the surface looks dry. Let the compound cure.
Watch out
- Disturbing old paint in pre-1978 homes can create lead dust. Paid work may fall under the EPA RRP rule.
- Tape does not waterproof. A returning damp stain means the leak is not fixed.
Questions about the right tool for your job? Email cs@hydestore.com or call 508-916-6442.