How to Mud Drywall: A Professional Guide to Tools, Technique, and Finish Quality

Drywall is a versatile material that’s widely used in homes thanks to its affordability and structural benefits. But if you want to enjoy those benefits in your home, you’ll need to do what the pros do and mud your drywall effectively.

When done correctly, the mudding process ensures a seamless surface for painting, improves sound absorption, and minimizes future repair work. Learning how to mud drywall may sound daunting, but it’s relatively straightforward and only requires a few basic tools.

This post will cover techniques, product types, application steps, and common mistakes to avoid. Keep reading to learn how to tape and mud drywall for your next project.

Begin by gathering the tools and drywall accessories you'll need to complete the job. That starts with finding the right taping knives. These are available in multiple sizes, each of which offers distinct benefits:

• 6-inch knives: Compact and precise, perfect for filling small screw holes and covering embedding tape.
• 10-inch knives: This wider blade is perfect for second coats over seams. It’s large enough to feather edges without leaving hard lines that will require sanding later.
• 12-inch knives: This size is best for final coats, as it helps to blend joints into the surrounding wall surface for a seamless, paint-ready finish.

Using the right drywall knives can significantly improve your finishing. You’ll leave fewer lines and ridges, which means less work when it’s time to sand and paint. You’ll also need a durable mud pan to hold your mix. You can choose from stainless steel and hardened plastic options, depending on your personal preferences. Hyde carries several durable drywall mud pans that could fit your needs.

There are also special corner tools for drywall applications. These trowels and knives are specially designed to apply compound evenly in tight spaces and at steep angles. Consider using one to achieve a pro-level look around your corners.

Finally, you’ll need to sand the drywall that you mud before painting it and applying other finishing touches. To do this, you can choose from:

• Hand sanding blocks, which are great for touch-ups and details
• Pole sanders, which cover large surfaces and ceilings efficiently
• Dust-free sanding heads to reduce airborne dust and protect your health while you work

Once you have the necessary tools, the next step is purchasing drywall mud. However, there are multiple kinds to choose from, so you’ll need to think carefully to find the best fit for your project.

• All-purpose joint compound:  This is best for a first coat and tape embedding. It offers a strong bond, smooth consistency, and is easy to work with. However, it has a slow dry time. You typically have to wait overnight before applying another coat.
• Lightweight joint compound: This compound is best for a final coat or finish work. It has a creamier texture and sands very easily. You can even thin it with water for an ultra-smooth final pass over a section of drywall. However, the dry time is about the same as that of the all-purpose joint compound.
• Quick-set compound (hot mud): Hot mud is ideal for fast repairs and time-sensitive jobs, as it hardens within 90 minutes of application. However, it’s tough to sand, so use it sparingly.

Drywall finishing is a process of building up several thin, even layers of compound. This creates a smooth, invisible surface that's ready for finishing. Follow these instructions to get started.

1. Apply the First Coat

The first coat is a taping coat, designed to reinforce the seams between your drywall panels. You'll need a 6" taping knife, a mud pan, and all-purpose joint compound.

1. Load your knife with a moderate amount of mud.
2. Apply a thin layer of mud over the joint, just wide enough to match the tape.
3. Press the tape into the joint using the knife, smoothing from the center out to remove air bubbles.
4. Apply a thin layer over the tape, using light pressure.
5. Fill the screw holes and coat corners with the same mud.
6. Let everything dry for 12-24 hours.

2. Build the Second Coat

The second coat is about adding strength and shape, covering tape, and filling out major imperfections. You'll need a 10" taping knife, a mud pan, and more all-purpose or lightweight compound.

1. Spread mud about 2-3 inches wider than the first coat, on either side of the joint.
2. Use long, steady strokes, applying consistent pressure.
3. Feather the edges of the mud by angling your knife outward as you move away from the center.
4. Apply a second coat to screw holes and corners.
5. Let the coat dry fully (another 12-24 hours).

At this point, you should add a final coat with a 12" taping knife. This will make your surface smoother and minimize the amount of work you need to do before painting. Once you've finished your final coat, you should only need to do minimal sanding. That process typically means:

1. Using a raking light to reveal ridges, knife lines, and imperfections.
2. Lightly sanding only where necessary.
3. Use even pressure to avoid creating dips.
4. Vacuuming and wiping down the dust thoroughly before painting.

Drywall can be tricky, but familiarizing yourself with the most common mistakes can help you avoid them. Here are the big ones:

• Applying too much mud, too soon: Thick coats take a long time to dry, are hard to sand, and often crack. Applying several thinner coats instead of one thick one helps you avoid this.
• Poor tape embedding: Bubbles and loose tape can remain visible after painting. Avoid them by using a 6" knife to squeeze out the air.
• Over-sanding: Sanding too much can create dips in your finish, so apply light, even pressure and sand only where necessary.

Drywall mudding may sound complex, but it's no more complicated than painting. You'll just need to find the right types of spackle, mud, and sandpaper to arrive at a smooth finish. If you're ready to get started, Hyde can help. Check out our affordable, professional-grade drywall tools here.