TAPPING OUTSIDE CORNERS ( OF A DRYWALL)
Taping outside corners of drywall often requires corner bead and three coats of compound, but they are more accessible and straightforward to tape than inside corners. Outside corners tend to break or crack more quickly, so supporting them with a metal corner bead is essential. The corner bead is nailed to the outer corner, and then the joint compound is applied. The outermost edge of a corner bead is metal or plastic; whichever you use helps strengthen the borders.
The step-by-step guide below outlines the systems for taping outside corners.
Steps by step guide in taping outside corners
1. To tape outside wall corners, the first thing to do is attach a metal or plastic corner bead to the drywall corner. For a doorway wrapped with a corner bead, the fibreglass-mesh tape is used at the corners to reinforce the area where the two beads meet.
2. After the corner bead has been installed, get your pre-mixed joint compound in your hawk and then apply the mixture onto the wall corner and corner bead using a 5-in. or 6-in. taping and then press the combination into place with a taping knife. Ensure to scrape excess mixture from the wall. The first coat of compound needs little or no added water as the case may be, but it still needs to be thoroughly stirred with a hand-operated mud masher or a speed mixer to ensure uniform consistency and to be easier to spread. When applying the first coat to the corner bead on the outside corner, spread the compound about six in. wide and blend or smoothen the areas where seams or corners intersect the corner bead.
3. The outside corners are easy to second coat because the raised outer edge of the corner bead acts as a screed for smoothing the compound. Apply the second coat of compound using a wide taping knife or a bevelled trowel, then hold the scoop or taping knife flat against the combination and apply pressure on the outside edge of the joint compound and the corner bead.
4. After the second coat is dry, sand lightly and apply a third (final) coat with a 12-inch knife. Use either an all-purpose compound or a topping compound for the last layer and as you apply the third coat, note any areas that require additional feathering or filling before you sand. Apply a thin layer over the entire taped area, more expansive than the last coat, and feather the joint compound with a 12-in. taping knife. Apply the final coat of joint compound to the outside corners and remove most of the mixture. Leave enough to smooth the bead and feather the edge into the drywall surface.
5. The last step is to work out the rough spots and blend the taped areas where they intercept. Use a trowel and knife to blend the outside corner. Hold the taping knife at a 45-degree angle and apply the final coat lightly. Sand, the corner lightly using extra-fine (150-220 grit) sandpaper after the layer, becomes dry, then you’re done with the whole process.
Perfect your outside drywall corners with help from Mahja Construction. Our experts are here to help you find the easiest way to save time and money on your next project.
