Drywall contractors are worth every penny, as you’ll see in this video. The thing to remember is that when you’re not a professional who does this everyday, you need to go slow to get it right. The pros can go fast cause they have experience and know all the tricks, but if you follow this video, it should take you a long way.
Hi 🙂 I’m a drywall contractor and a taper by trade. I just wanted to suggest to anyone who is considering doing their own taping…….avoid mesh tape. It cracks and is tougher to cover than regular joint tape.Not to mention. it’s way more expensive.
You can drywall yourself….paint…trim…..there are lots of ways to save a buck. I would strongly suggest you consult a professional before doing your own taping. You’ll be looking at it for the rest of the time you live in your home 🙂 I spend lots of time repairing work that a homowner started themselves.It takes me twice as long, as I generally have to “undo” a lot of work.Therefore, I am forced to charge accordingly, as will any contractor or sub.
So it’s best to think twice!
Actually, mesh tape is much much stronger than paper. If you are using mesh tape you MUST use hot mud (setting type compound). This comes dry and is mixed with water. It dies chemically as opposed to regular drywall compound, which can be thinned with water and dries by air.
My name is William and I’m the owner of Drywall Techniques Downloads.com and I agree with Scott about not using mesh tape on your flats and butt joints, it will crack.Most homeowners when they use mesh tape do not use hot mud for there first coat over the mesh tape. If your going to use mesh tape you must apply a coat of hot mud over the mesh tape, then the remaining coats can be all purpose compound or topping. remember never use mesh tape in corners!!!
Thanks for the tips William!
Actually I just finish repair a ceiling that a home owner did himself, with mesh. And yes it did crack all the way down his ceilings. Maybe Brad is right about using the hot mud instead, maybe using that type f mud will not crack. But if your using premixed, use paper or fiber tape.
I agree with all you guys and you make some good points! But, you must remember that this video is for non-professionals (Home Owners & Do-It Yourselfers). The best advice would to be, is use joint tape, It’s easier to cover! Mesh tape is thicker than joint tape, so it takes just a little bit more mud and feathering out. So for an inexperienced person using mesh, just amagine what the job could look like once it’s done. I’ve remudded and seen some work done by inexperienced people and it wasn’t pretty, even just trying to cover the corner bead, smh! To the Home Owner & Do-It Yourselfers, save yourself the time and money and let the pros do it. It will cost you more money for a contractor to come in to fix the damage, simply get it done right the first time! God Bless Everybody!
Hi Frank! Thanks for the great advice!