Drywall finishing is an art that often goes unnoticed, unless it’s done poorly. Popping nails, over-sanding, messy cutouts, and blistered seams are glaring imperfections that catch the eye. Even if you’re skilled at finishing drywall, interior corners can pose a challenge. If your tape is torn or your grout hasn’t been feathered properly, your walls will look uneven. Those sharp inner corners may seem like magic to achieve. But fear not! Our experts have some valuable tips to help you improve the look of your drywall’s interior corners.
Mud Tips for Enhancing Your Inside Drywall Corners
The saying “I’d rather use too much than not enough” can apply to many aspects of life, but when it comes to inside drywall corners, it’s a different story. While you want to use enough mud to cover the seams and tape, resist the temptation to pile it on. Excessive grout can hinder the formation of clean, sharp corners. The goal of a drywall finish is to conceal the seams and create precision in corners. So, opt to use less mud. Additionally, excess mud only makes your job harder because you’ll have to sand it off later. Practice until you achieve a level of proficiency akin to spreading butter on toast.
Consider using thinner mud as well. Novices who struggle with sharp corners often find that thinner mud yields better results, particularly for the final or skim coat. Remember, your goal is to hide the seams and tape, not construct mud huts. To achieve the desired consistency, mix the mud with water.
Feather One Side at a Time
Instead of using an angle trowel, try using a straight putty knife and feather one side of the inside corner at a time. Professional drywallers often mock the use of corner trowels. While a skilled trimmer using a corner knife can achieve good results, many professionals prefer using a straight knife on one side for the job.
Bringing in the Big Guns for Interior Drywall Corners
An automatic lagging tool is a game-changer, as it applies tape and the perfect amount of mud simultaneously. Corner rollers are then employed to create sharp corners before the mud flusher feathers the edges. True, these tools may be pricier than traditional hand tools, but witnessing an experienced crew utilize them might inspire you to invest. The efficiency they offer makes work quicker and more precise.
Final Thoughts
Like any job, there are differing opinions on how to improve and perfect drywall corners. Some professionals achieve excellent results using a corner trowel and applying an ample amount of joint grout. Ultimately, practice makes perfect. But if you’re currently struggling, consider these tips for enhancing the appearance of your interior drywall corners.
If you’re a pro with drywall refinishing tips, feel free to share them in the comments below.