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HOW TO 2ND COAT DRYWALL RECESSED JOINTS PAGE 1 OF 2

If you want to learn how to 1st coat recessed joints go here How to 1st coat recessed joints

1st just a little info about how this coating stuff works: The reason the joints (Recessed Joints & Butt Joints) need 2 coats is because after the 1st coat dries the mud shrinks back. If you were to put the straight edge of your knife tight against the wall, you would see there is still a little gap(see picture below).

The goal here is to get the joint nice and flat, Here we go onto the 2nd coat.

Step 1: Sand

Using a sanding pole and some 80 to 120 grit sand paper lightly go through your project and sand any edges and lap marks. You shouldn't have to sand too much here. All you want to do is knock off any edges from the 1st coat so there won't be any problems with the 2nd coat.

I like the new round sander made by Full Circle International

Not only does it remove more material faster, It really makes your joints flat.

A regular square sander might make a butt joint smooth but it will leave it humped.

A medium sanding sponge works great for your angles, corners and detail work.

Step 2: Mix Mud

Mix up your mud. To learn all about mud and how to mix go here All about Joint Compound

Thin your mud down with a little water. Mud straight out of the bucket is too thick for anything. Any pro will tell you that you must thin it down. You want it smooth and spreadable like pudding. You might have to remove a scoop of mud to make room for some water. Once you have some good mud mixed up and ready to go, get a little bit into your drywall pan. For the 2nd coat you will need a 12 inch knife. Always keep your pointer finger in the center of the knife, this will give you more control. Always try to keep the finger side of the knife as dry and clean as possible. Most knives have a logo or something on the handle on one side. I always make the logo side my finger side. Decide what side you want your finger side to be and stick to it. If you're flipping the knife all the time it will get all wet, dirty and sloppy and gross. You want your pointer finger to stay dry.

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