How to use a taping knife?

3rd March 2020


How to use a taping knife


	Shop for Taping Knives


		Using a taping knife is more about patience than skill. If you find it difficult at first, persevere and you’ll get the result you want. If this is your first time, you may get more joint compound on the floor and yourself, but don’t despair!

		Holding a taping knife
		A traditional taping knife is usually held with your thumb underneath the handle and two or more fingers on top of the blade so as to apply pressure when needed.

		Remember that an offset handle allows you to hold it with a full grip whilst still being able to get the blade flat against the work surface.

		Using a taping knife when drywalling
		Step 1 – Load blade with compound Using a small (5-6 inch) taping knife, load the edge of the blade with about 2 inches of compound from your compound tub.

		Step 2 – Start in corner Start in the corner of a room, forcing the joint compound into the seams between boards and any divots left by nails or screws.

		Step 3 – Smooth seams When the seams are filled, hold the knife at a 25 degree angle to the work surface and smooth out the compound, preferably in a single pass.

		Step 4 – Scrape off excess Scrape off any excess joint compound and place into the compound tub.

		Step 5 – Lay tape Unroll some jointing tape, centre it over the seam and press it into the fresh joint compound. If you are laying tape along a vertical seam, start at the top and work down.

		Step 6 – Cut off tape When your tape has reached the end of a seam, place the taping knife edge perpendicular to the tape face and tear off the excess.

		Step 7 – Smooth down tape Starting in the middle of the newly taped joint, hold your taping knife at a 25 degree angle and pull the knife to one end of the joint, smoothing and pressing the tape firmly into the compound. Return to the centre point and repeat in the other direction. (This prevents the tape from pulling off the wall.)

		Step 8 – Crease tape for corner joints If you need to tape an inside corner joint cut your tape to size and fold in half lengthways.

		Step 9 – Smooth out any creases With a taping knife, gently push the tape into the corner and smooth down making sure it’s free from air bubbles and creases.

		Step 10 – Apply second coat Apply a second coat with a larger taping knife (10 – 12 inch). Scoop up 2 inches of joint compound and apply to all joints and screw holes, then smooth it over in a separate pass.

		Step 11 – Leave to dry Leave to dry. This usually takes between 4 – 6 hours, but leaving overnight is advised.

		Step 12 – Clean your tools Ensure that your knife and bucket are clean before adding a new layer or smoothing the previous one. This ensures maximum finish and fast drying of the mud.

		Step 13 – Apply third coat Load a large taping knife with joint compound and apply to joint, feathering (blending-in) and smoothing edges to an imperceptible finish, then leave to dry.

		Step 14 – Job done Congratulations – You have finished! Time to sit down and have a cup of tea.