|
|
|
A Drywall Tape Machine that Produces Professional
Results
How to Tape Drywall Joints Fast and Easy
By Mark J. Donovan
|
|
When tackling a do it yourself
drywall project one of the most difficult tasks is applying drywall tape to the
joints. It is even more difficult if adjoining drywall panels are not flush with
each other or there are large gaps in between the panels. When taping drywall
joints it is critical that a sufficient and even amount of joint compound be
applied behind the drywall tape so that the tape adheres well to the joints and
to prevent bubbling. The basic technique is to first apply joint compound over
the seams and then imbed the drywall tape into the joint compound.
|
| Again, this takes time and practice and frequently results
in a less than professional look for the first time do it yourself
drywallers.
One way to tape drywall like the pros is to use a drywall tape machine.
There are a variety of drywall tape machines that have been available on the
market for years, including drywall banjos and bazookas, however they are
heavy and clumsy devices that take quite a bit of time and practice to learn
how to use them properly. In addition, they are fairly expensive,
particularly if you only expect to use them once in a great while. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
|
|
One of the best drywall tape machines
that I have used is the “TapeBuddy”. This is a simple yet clever drywall tape
machine that ensures an even application of joint compound to the drywall tape.
It also dramatically speeds up the drywall taping time. The TapeBuddy drywall
tape machine is constructed out of a heavy gauge plastic, and consists of two
molded wells. One well is for holding a roll of paper drywall tape, and the
other well is for holding joint compound. There are slits at the base of each
well for allowing the drywall tape to slide through the base of the TapeBuddy.
|
Preparing the TapeBuddy for Use
To use the TapeBuddy
drywall tape machine you first install a bridge insert piece that comes with the
device, into the base of it. This bridge insert piece controls the joint
compound application thickness to the drywall tape.
Next, you place a roll of drywall tape into the tape well, and thread the tape
through the opening in the bottom of the well.
You then slide the drywall tape through the joint compound well and finally out
a slit where you can pull the tape out as you need it.
Once the drywall tape has been installed into the Tape Buddy, you next fill the
joint compound well with “All Purpose Joint Compound”.
Photos by Mark Donovan
Using the TapeBuddy Drywall Tape Machine
After you have loaded
the TapeBuddy with joint compound it is ready for use. With one hand on the
TapeBuddy use your other hand to pull the tape straight out. Swing the tape
upwards as you pull it out to the desired length. Use a corner of your drywall
taping knife to cut the tape approximately 1 inch from the end of the out-feed
slit. This action will leave you enough of a tab to pull the next piece of
drywall tape.
|
Photo by Mark Donovan |
Apply the mudded sided of the tape to the drywall joint. Use your drywall taping
knife to embed the tape into the joint. Gently draw the drywall taping knife
along the tape to firmly imbed the tape into the seam. It is important to not
squeeze out too much joint compound from behind the tape to prevent the tape
from not adhering well to the drywall panels.
Photos by Mark Donovan
Once you have smoothed out the tape area, let it dry.
After the tape has fully dried, you can then go back and add top coats to
achieve a professional finish.
So, before undertaking your next drywall taping project, check out the TapeBuddy
from
Buddy Tools, LLC. It is easy to use, and
takes virtually no time or practice in getting familiar with. The Tape Buddy
applies a perfect and consistent amount of joint compound to the drywall tape
every time. All you need to do is simply pull the tape out as you need it and
apply it to the drywall joints with your taping knife.
DIY HomeAdditionPlus.com
Disclosure Policy Statement
|
Find a Qualified Home Remodeling Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Home Remodeling
Contractors! |
Drywall
Tools from Amazon.com
Get Free
Drywall and Plastering Price Quotes,
No Obligation! Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and
receive a free price quote on drywall and plastering installation from one of our prescreened and licensed
drywall contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue
once you receive your drywall installation price estimate.
|
|
|
