After hanging drywall, you need to "tape" seams in the drywall before laying down the "mud" (drywall compound). This is a critical step. If the tape is not applied well, the rest of your job will look terrible.
Right Type of Drywall Tape?
Reinforced fiberglass tape is stronger than the paper tape. But paper type is remarkably strong after the application of drywall compound. And paper tape makes for a flatter application. The other thing, though, is that some people find the paper tape hard to handle.
Metal Reinforced Paper Tape for Corners
A good "middle ground" is paper tape with metal reinforcing - mainly good for constructing inside and outside corners. Also the metal makes the tape easier to handle.
Mud Underneath Paper Tape
Paper drywall tape has no adhesive. Apply it over a thin layer of drywall mud compound.
Don't Stress About the Bottom Edges
In most cases, the bottom edges do not have to be perfect because they will be covered with a baseboard. Make sure that this is the case, though, before laying down ragged-edged tape.
Paper Tape for Corners
If using non metal-reinforced paper tape for corners, you need to crease the tape length-wise first.
Cut Tape with Your Joint Knife
Don't waste time cutting the tape with scissors or utility knife - snap it off with your joint knife.
No Bubbles
Bubbles are easy to develop under paper tape. Make sure you have pressed them all out with your knife.
"Mud" Hump
Avoid too many layers of mud over your tape. That just means more to sand.
Sanding Destroys Paper Tape
Over-sanding that goes through the drywall mud will destroy the tape. Be careful of this.
