Home Improvement How-To's: Taping Joints

Joints should always be reinforced to prevent cracking. This is best done by first applying a thin layer of compound. Then depending on the type of compound you are using, press strips of paper or fiberglass wallboard tape into the damp compound. Use fiberglass tape when you are using a quick setting compound and paper wallboard tape for regular premixed wallboard compounds
 
SKILL SCALE
Medium
 

TIME REQUIRED
Replacing a threshold should take 1 to 2 hours.
 

TOOLS
10-12-inch wallboard knife
6-inch wallboard knife
 

MATERIALS
Wallboard compound
Wallboard joint tape
Sandpaper or sanding screen
 
STEPS
 
Step 1 Apply a thin layer of wallboard compound over the joint with a 10- or 12-inch wallboard knife.
 
Step 2
 		 Press the wallboard tape into the compound as soon as it is applied. Be sure to center the tape on the joint, then wipe away any excess compound. Smooth the joint with a 6-inch wallboard knife, then allow to dry completely
     
Apply another coat of compound, this time with a 10- or 12-inch wallboard knife, and let it dry overnight before applying the final coat.
     
Apply the finish coat and sand it until it is smooth. If dust is a problem (and sanding creates a lot of dust), you can close off adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting or you can use a wet sanding sponge.