By Mark J. Donovan
This first application of joint
compound is typically referred to as the “skim coat” or “bedding coat” layer,
however it is important not to skimp too much when troweling on this first layer
of mud / joint compound. As a matter of fact, drywall sheets are dimpled on the
edges that are expected to butt up against other drywall sheets to allow for the
drywall tape and skim coat of mud.
Also, when applying the drywall tape
to the seams that have been freshly skim coated it is important not to press too
hard with the trowel. Pressing too hard will cause the joint compound to be
squeezed out from behind the drywall tape. As a result, the drywall tape will
not adhere to the wall sufficiently.
If
there are only a few bubbles, or only one small section of peeling tape, you can
slit the tape with a razor blade, and using a small trowel apply joint compound underneath the
paper and then press the paper into the joint compound with your trowel. Once it
has dried, apply additional joint compound over the tape. Once this coat has
dried, apply one additional coat of joint compound and then sand lightly, making
sure to feather out the edges.
