Embedding the joint tape
You should begin by embedding all
butt joints using your
flat joint nozzle.
Once those are dry, use the same process to embed all tapered joints.
Do not
overlap tape at any point in the process. If you are using self-adhesive tape,
you will not need to embed the tape. Simply apply the tape to the joint and
skip to “Finishing the Surface” (page 20.)
Embedding butt joints and taper joints
1. Starting at one end of a butt joint, squeeze the trigger and pull the
nozzle along the joint to apply a generous (and continuous) coat of mud
(illustration a)
. Stop a few feet short of completion and work back from
the other side to assure good coverage close to the adjoining wall.
2. Rest the gun in a bucket of water with the nozzle submerged until you
need it again.
3. Cut drywall tape to the correct length.
4. Press the back of the tape (the rough side) into the mud, fully covering the
seam.
(illustration b)
5. Use a putty knife to smooth and firmly seat the tape, remove excess mud
and reapply it over the tape as a thin first coat.
(illustration c)
6. Repeat this process for all butt joints.
6. Repeat the same process for all tapered joints and let all joints dry
for up to 24 hours. See compound manufacturer’s instructions.
TIP
Always check your wall and address imperfections before you begin taping, including
protruding screws or nails, loose paper or large gaps.
TIP
Always squeeze mud out in one direction to avoid tape bunching up. If the tape has
been embedded correctly, you will see the silhouette of the tape, but not the paper itself.
There should be no loose edges.
b
c
a
18
Embedding corner joints
1. Remove the front ring of the MudGun
™
(illustration d).
(Or, if the last head
used was the finishing head, remove the T-adapter.)
2. Place the
inside corner nozzle
on the front of the MudGun
™
.
(illustration e)
3. Replace the front ring and tighten.
(illustration f)
4. Working from top to bottom, pull the nozzle down the length of the corner,
slowly pumping the trigger to apply a thin (and continuous) coat of mud
(illustration g)
. When you reach knee-height, stop, turn the MudGun™ and
work up from the bottom.
5. Rest your MudGun
™
in the bucket of water.
6. Cut drywall tape to the length needed. Fold it along the score so that the
rough side of the tape will be facing into the wall.
7. Starting at the ceiling, push the tape into the mud, using your fingers to
run down the entire length of the joint.
(illustration h)
8. Again starting at the ceiling, hold the tape in place with your finger and use
the
inside corner smoothing tool
to push tape fully into the corner and
pull downward
(illustration i).
Remove any excess mud from the tool as
you move down the joint by scraping it into the 5-gallon bucket of water.
Continue until you reach the bottom of the joint.
9. Let dry for up to 24 hours. See compound manufacturer’s instructions.
Sand with 220-grit sandpaper or sanding sponge.
g
h
i
d
e
f
TIP
Always embed the entire joint in one direction. Stopping in the middle and pulling up
from the bottom of the joint will leave creases and wrinkles in the tape.
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