Applying Your First Coat

Finishing drywall is an art. If this is your first time, don't expect to have a finished product that is perfect. If the wall is textured, getting the repair to go un-noticed is almost impossible, but if the wall is smooth, you'll have an easier time of it.

Put a thin layer of joint compound, all purpose is fine. You don't want this layer too thick or it will not dry properly. You'll be squeezing out a lot of it and if there's too much, it makes it difficult. Spread the mud (that's another name for joint compound) on with a 4 inch knife and make sure that it completely covers the seam and enough extra so that the tape will be applied onto it. You also want to go a little past the corner. Cut a piece of tape that will extend past the corners slightly, but be sure it will lay in this 'bed' of mud. On longer seams it's important to stretch it out straight and smooth it from the center out, but on this small repair, that wasn't as critical.

Use your knife to remove any excess mud. Start in the middle and press firmly to the end, then start in the middle and go to the other end. You don't want to remove all the mud, but you don't want a thick layer under there. Repeat this step for all the seams, overlapping on the corners. This means you'll apply mud overtop of a pre-existing taped seam, like in the photo. Try not to disturb any tape that was already done. Once all the seams are covered with this first coat, go away and do something else. You can check it several hours later, but it's best to let it set overnight so that you don't misjudge it as dry. Coating overtop of a not-quite-yet-dry coat is a bad thing.

Coming Back The Next Day

If you decided to let it set overnight, you should have a very dry first coat. Double check it to make sure, just in case you applied too much coumpound, or if the weather is prolonging the drying process. If it's dry as a bone, it will be very white. Depending on your knife technique, you may have to sand this first coat lightly to knock down any spurs. I say sand lightly. Do NOT oversand as that will remove mud that you need to have. Don't press hard and don't do it for long, you just want to knock down any sharp points sticking out.

Now you're ready for your second coat.