Replies

1. 
   bill_1010 | Mar 29, 2004 03:24pm | #1

   running your tape or your cover coat?   Its better not to break up the tape but you can.  Overlap it by about 2-3 inches.

1. 
   WorkshopJon | Mar 29, 2004 03:35pm | #2

   I've always used metal backed/paper covered inside corner bead in one length.  Is that the norm?

   Jon

1. 
   csmart01 | Mar 29, 2004 04:20pm | #3

   I use paper (not the metal and paper... but is that better since you bring it up?) and I have a bunch of corners that run around 12' and as a DIY'er I find getting that length in one shot a royal PITA. As I'm trying to smooth the corner I'll start getting wave bumps or tear the paper. I do fine with an 8' span but for some reason these long ones do me in. Any tips or tricks for getting it in one shot?Charlie

   http://www.home-addition.com

1. 
   WorkshopJon | Mar 29, 2004 04:37pm | #4

   CS,

   Often the tricks and techniques the "pro's" use have been acquired after years of work experience, and are difficult for the DIY to replicate.  That said.

   If you are having trouble, I've (on metal corner bead) slathered the bead with mud prior to applying it to the already coated corner of the wall.

   Would a pro do that? No way, as it's time consuming but practically guarantees a good job.  I've also done similar with small pieces or paper tape.  Pass them through the mud bucket before placing them on the wall.

   It works

   Jon

2. 
   DanH | Mar 29, 2004 04:51pm | #5

   Thin the mud --slightly--, and wet the tape (dip it in water) before you bed it. Fold the tape before you stuff it into the corner.

   No great harm in doing the tape in shorter pieces. Just avoid having a joint near a stress point (eg, above a window corner), and try to avoid 'buildup" where the tape laps.

   Though it's "not recommended", it sometimes works out better to use self-stick fiberglass tape for the corners, even with regular mud. You don't have to bed it, so it's a lot easier to handle. I've used it (with regular mud) on several smaller projects and never had a problem.

   Also, there's a self-stick paper tape out that just may turn out to be the DIYer's best friend (though its durability remains to be seen).

   
   

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   Edited 3/29/2004 9:51 am ET by Dan

1. 
   WorkshopJon | Mar 30, 2004 01:19am | #6

   "Though it's "not recommended", it sometimes works out better to use self-stick fiberglass tape for the corners"

   Dan,

   Let me add that doubling or tripling it up, plus using the less aerated and stickier mud (the one with the green lid) also helps.

   At for least the first coat.

   Jon