Drywall Taper how-to

How to Tape and Mud a Drywall Joint

Three coats make a smooth joint.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Three coats make a smooth joint. In short: fill; embed; let, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Fill gaps.

  2. Embed tape.

  3. Let dry.

  4. Apply a wider second coat.

  5. Apply a third coat.

  6. Sand lightly.

Safety reminders for drywall tapers

  • Control dust
  • Use stilts carefully
  • Wear eye protection
  • Use ladders safely

Mud · Tape · Bazooka · Corner bead · Feathering · Skim coat: see the full drywall taper glossary.

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