Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 22, 1999 05:32am | #1

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   I don't like my corner tool and I'll get crucified for saying it, but I do one side at a time when finishing. That's how I was taught and it works for me. The only drawback is drying time. Even with setting compounds I still can dig in to the finished side. I'm like you, a contractor who does his own drywall. It is not my trade, but I have found a system that works for me. Also, I really like those roughly 2" x 3" by 1" thick sanding sponges for corners. They have a new one with one side beveled at a 45 so you can do a real sharp corner and not groove the other side.

   P.S. Am I the only one who uses that Porter Cable Drywall Sander? It's great, I couldn't live with out it.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 22, 1999 06:24am | #2

   *throw away the corner tool. J. D. has the method. If you are doing a fair amount, do the corner s first. By the time you finish the other muding the mud should be set enough to do the other side. You might also try the 30 minute set, it's a little difficult to learn but can speed up the process. Just make sure it is an easy sand.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 22, 1999 06:37am | #3

   *Nah, I have a PC also. I am trying to get so I sand very little, but when you have to sand, why do it by hand?As far as the corners go, you can do both sides at once with practice. I am just a DIY person, but if you play with the angles of the blade, you get to a point where you don't dig into the other side. As far as mud goes, setting is a pain to mix, but for the first two coats, it is hard to beat. And, the next day, it is dry. I have a corner tool, but I don't find it that useful. Tip for the final finish that I have mentioned before. My drywall supplier set me up with an 18" squeegee. I thin the final coat, apply it all over with a roller and squeegee off the excess. If you practice, you get walls with a very smooth, flat finish, no bumps and an even texture.Question. Is anyone using the First Coat Drywall paint by Sheetrock? I have used it, but I am concerned that it seems to come off easier than the Sherwin Williams finish paint I use. With my roller technique, I wonder if it is worth the cost.Dennis

2. 
   Ron_Mischnick | Apr 22, 1999 06:51am | #4

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   Dan: You should try no-coat pre-finished corners by Grabber. They work. They take all the fuss and screwing around out of finishing corners. They have a system for inside & outside corners. We own a bazooka, the boxes, corner tools and all the equip. that goes with them. Since we tried no-coat we have not used our corner tools. Give them a call @ 888 824 1007 and order a roll. The product may seem a little "spendy" but if you try it you will find it is less expensive in-place cost. If you try it I would be curious to know what you think of it.

   Ron.

3. 
   Guest_ | Apr 22, 1999 07:00am | #5

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   Dan: I have had a corner trowel for many years and can't say that I really ever liked it. If you haven't tried the following method you might get adequate results. First "stream" each side of the corner close in using a six inch knife, then use the corner trowel by locking your thumb under the stem in front of the handle and force the sides out with your other fingers. Don't expect to get good results just operating it by holding the handle. The "stars" or corners still need picked just like when a corner roller and glazer are used.(Ames or similiar tools)
   With practice(and sandpaper) you will get adequate results.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 22, 1999 08:35am | #6

   *Dan et alI use my corner trowel only to set the tape. . .it's fast and easy, then I put it away and do the rest one side at a time with my regular knives, working my way around the room. The tip of doing one side of the corners first, then doing the rest of the joints, then going back to the other side of the corner is great. . . it always helps to have a plan.I also use a sander/shop vac system (forget the name) wish I'd discovered it years ago!!!

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 22, 1999 09:47am | #7

   *I used to do one side at a time, but I'm so slow at it anyway, I had to force myself to learn to do it both sides at a time. Think more about the next coat than the one you are putting on. Lots of ugly grooves and ridges will cover fine on the second or third coat. Use a banjo so that you have a uniform thikness of mud behind the tape- too much mud is a common problem. Use the corner tool to bed the tape, then put it away. I've not used the grabber stuff Ron mentioned, but I would never start a job without a few rolls of Strait Flex vinyl corner tape. Get it at the drywall wholesaler, this stuff is great- saves loads of time. You don't have to leave mud on top of it, you scrape it clean with your knife so you can always do both sides of corners. I discovered it while looking for something to help with off-angle corners; you can make them straight as an arrow. What we do now is use paper in the vertical corners of the room and Strait Flex all around the tops of the walls. These corners look like a machine made em.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 22, 1999 05:27pm | #8

   *I've taken to using that metal backed paper tape in the corners for the reason you stated, arrow straight corners. I will try the strait Flex next time. I have also used the prefinished corners and found them very helpful on small jobs you don't want to make more than a trip or two out to. Still not sold on a big job. Anybody ever glue tape in a corn instead of mudding it in? I've experimented with Super 77 from 3-M (spray can). I got it for setting corner bead and top bead and have tried it in corners. It seems to work fine, I don't if it saves any time, but it does give a good surface to finish.

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   Guest_ | Apr 22, 1999 06:43pm | #10

   *I have a corner trowel but it gathers dust. I bed the corner and cover one side, then wait.Sometimes I'll do two sides on the next pass. Like someone else said, don't worry about how perfect this coat is, think how it will fill on the next pass. I love the little sponges for getting rid of the ridge on the side you didn't fill last time. Also great for crisping up the corner at the end.I use the No-coat stuff for 135 degree corners and for patches up against plaster and such. It helps even things out. But you can't really do it in one coat. Still takes at least two go-rounds.Steve

4. 
   dan_seelig | Apr 22, 1999 06:43pm | #9

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   I am a carpenter/contractor who on some jobs has to hang and finish some sheetrock.It seems no matter how much I do it my corners are never really good.Any suggestions/tips for smooth finishes in tne corners.I use a corner tool for the first coat;good or bad.thanks for the help.