How to Tape Drywall (Butt Joints) 2.0

Taping drywall doesn't have to be hard!!!! Here are some pro tips to help the DIY get GREAT results.
-
-
Tools I use often:
-
DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Associate I make a small commission from purchases through these links. Thank you for the support!!!!
Drywall knives:
2" amzn.to/2LwX8ty
4" amzn.to/32OHlw3
6" amzn.to/2LwP1x5
10" amzn.to/2QbLbOp (This one will rust if you leave it wet but feels nice to use)
10" amzn.to/3056fcU (This one is stainless. Stiffer, more expensive but won't rust)
Mud Pan with Grip!! (This is the BOMB! You will thank me!)
amzn.to/31tQauH
Tin Snips GOOD QUALITY!! amzn.to/2LzlOBv
Drywall Tape Holder!! amzn.to/32Udhzd
Paint Mixer for mud!! amzn.to/303fX0q
Full size mixer!! amzn.to/2LYrMLe
Mixing Drill (just in case)!! amzn.to/2O2oQ2P
Hawk and Trowels
13 inch hawk:
amzn.to/2ZWZXw2
13 inch trowels:
amzn.to/30aJPTB
amzn.to/2ZWH39d
amzn.to/2ZSY5Fj
12 inch trowels:
amzn.to/2Q5fGW4
amzn.to/2ZYKXxu
14 inch trowels:
amzn.to/34JeydR
amzn.to/34CdmsJ

[@kylefowler5082]

its smart to make short length videos around 3 minutes long so DIY types don't feel overwhelmed by the hassle of a longer video. Good work!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Beandiptheredneck]

Kyle Fowler I agree. If I want a quick how to a 30 minute video is not what I’m gonna watch

[@DanRamosDR]

I agree! I prefer a very short and specific video like that. It's useful reference material when you need it and it's straight and to-the-point when you need to use it.

[@fleetwin1]

@@DanRamosDR I agree also. I'm usually not willing to sit and watch for 30 minutes. Plus, it is hard to retain all the stuff that is explained in longer videos also

[@bradley3549]

Absolutely! I've taped plenty of joints, I don't need the whole thing. But I don't do it very often so before each project I like to do some quick refreshers and videos like this are perfect. Throw this into a playlist with the other 2.0 videos and it'll be perfect to have queued up in my pocket before and during a job.

[@chronesrt2925]

Much better of a short and simple to the point. I'm a 20 year veteran to taping but from a beginner point of view I can see this helping many. GJ!

[@JulieVmakeup]

You don't understand how much I love your videos. Quality. Thanks for saving lives

[@sulysaldana5867]

Thanks to these videos I was able to drywall and mud my kitchen. So proud of my self 😏 but I do got to say you are a great teacher. Now I’m ready for my bigger drywall project. Wish me luck 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻☘️☘️

[@donaldlee6760]

I've watched most of your videos over the past year, but this is one of your better ones even though it's so short. I'm about to do several patches and other small-ish DIY drywall jobs in my house. Thank you and looking forward to more -- Donald from Oakland, CA

[@buttfacemcghee]

I love your videos. I’ve learned a ton while refinishing our basement. And it’s surprising coming downstairs to see the work and being surprised that it looks better when it’s all dried.

[@EastWindCommunity1973]

This guy knows his butts! Thanks for the condensed, improved versions. Good plan for that retirement!

[@pinkplonker8776]

Any video where someone says “pucker” has to be a winner!

[@thoi412]

Thank you so much for these videos. I'm about to mud my basement and these really help. My living room, from years ago, is definitely showing that I didn't know what I was doing

[@Cad1900]

Thank you this is very helpful for a novice like me. I’m just getting ready to tape joints on my bathroom remodel.

[@T.E.P.]

getting better and better and better man!! great job on these

[@lesramsay1485]

Ben! You taught me how to drywall my studio, thanks for the demo vids, super helpful : )

[@rpro87]

Vancouver Carpenter is the best there is. Wicked helpful!

[@brianhersh8236]

Thanks man. All your videos are Informative and easy to understand.

[@mteske1]

I’ve found as a DIYer who isn’t doing this all the time using buttboards or drywall shims will drastically help. Basically these products allow you to turn a buttjoint into a regular joint. Buttboards also help bc you don’t have to land cuts right on stud or joist but between them, which makes hanging easier as well. I love your vids.

[@vince6829]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Charliemorgs]

Thanks for doing these

[@ruppedogg]

Nice video. Looking forward to that new prefill one, too. Noticed the increase in production quality/lighting!

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

Your can't buy experience. You do nice work, I'd have been wearing half that tape. 👍👍

[@revert2014]

😂😂😂🤕🤕🤕

[@konstantinusstoyanov9749]

You are always fun to watch

[@kevinhamling1963]

Hey man Kevin here from Australia. Thankyou for sharing i always enjoy your plastering videos. As always stay safe and stay well. ✌ Peace man.

[@peterholmes2089]

I always wondered which way to put that crease in the tape.

[@workingwithjoe6222]

So interesting to see how things are done in different countries. Stay safe and healthy from the UK.

[@cataclysmic911]

Working with Joe do tell. How’s it done where you are?

[@fjalls]

We in Sweden have a special "butt-joint" tape thats a bit thicker and thus does not need that prefilling

[@workingwithjoe6222]

@@cataclysmic911 on the whole we hang our plasterboard then skim over the entire complete surface with plaster covering the joints and the board to make the finished surface. We do cover the joints in Skrim tape to stop anything moving and cracking but thos is skimmed over with the rest of the sheet. I'm sure someone will be along to say otherwise but that is by far the most common method in the UK.

[@SprouseyTheHandyMan]

Keep making these videos!!!!!!

[@shawnr771]

well done.

[@brianjohnson6864]

Holy moly a black shirt😮

[@cataclysmic911]

Brian Johnson cuz he’s that good.

[@mbauck]

Thanks!

[@pacificnwcarpenter5486]

Like 100 here! And I like it short and sweet

[@ynot2881]

Bob ross of drywall!

[@klmbuilders5385]

I was taught by a pro finisher to taper 12" on both sides of the tape. Let dry and then fill the middle.

[@DewhirstEric]

I have been searching your videos but have not found one yet where you talk about the type of mud you recommend for taping or filling gaps - like specific products. I have been using pre-mix for years and thinning it down but I get the impression you are not keen on that. Thanks a lot for all of these videos, best instructions out there!

[@kelleydoyle3191]

Would that be the mud where he adds the glue?

[@DewhirstEric]

@@kelleydoyle3191 That is a good one - and I just found this one and it is what I was looking for - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV6Xqptpjb5orbc

[@user-en6jf3jf7s]

Good!👍

[@savannsun9130]

Dang, now I know what I did wrong. I put the tape wrong way. Thanks so much.

[@ramiyousif3029]

If you were in Detroit, I would definitely hire you for my frustrating wall repairs!!

[@kentoakley9409]

I so enjoy your drywall videos, if redoing some go ahead and show how to finish mudding that joint? as always thanks

[@deedub429]

🔥

[@johncoppock3823]

Great update. Glad I got the crease the right waymround. Silly question: Is it worth waiting just a little longer after placing the tape to let it absorb some moisture before wiping e.g. overlap timewise with the next section of work.

[@timgoering3806]

Hi Ben, I'm brand new to carpentry. I really appreciate all your detail focused work. While I'm waiting for my carpentry/framing text book can you recommend any other carpenters to follow and learn from? Thanks for all you do bro!

[@martin.klouse]

Could you please make a video on how to do perfect 90 degree corner joints at the ceiling. Specially when you don't have the best plumb or straightest framing. Thanks in advance!

[@AmB39]

Thanks. I hate this part of the job haha

[@dismaldog]

i am liking the fibrefuse for butt joints-lays flat,i can bed paper no worries but what's your opinion on it Ben?

[@2point2]

Does the diy super-taper method work good for ceilings? Doing a 36x20 ceiling later this summer and am expecting to have to wear a rain coat.

[@marcelox9558]

what is your opinion of the Wall mending agent ? does it work as they say ? greetings from Chile

[@mc-sp8zr]

Great idea going back over your older tips, sometimes we all need to get back to basics. Unrelated, but was there ever a follow-up to the indoor skate ramp reno? I checked your other channel but didn't see it.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

I just never edited the video. I got overwhelmed.

[@mc-sp8zr]

@@vancouvercarpenter No worries, I hear on many KZbin channels that it is a challenging job and is very time-consuming behind the scenes. Just want to thank you for everything you've put out there. I manage a small team of commercial maintenance technicians across several states, and I've referred them to many of your videos whenever I can't explain a technique to them over the phone (we are mainly HVAC but we dabble in all building trades). You definitely have that rare ability to not only do a skilled task but be able to teach it as well.

[@chrisking6740]

@@mc-sp8zr most constructive comment award right there.

[@sama8670]

I have a bathroom that has wallpaper on it. It will not come off without tearing off all the old paper on the drywall. Can I seal the wallpaper and then skim coat over it for painting?

[@borys444]

Do u use durabond to fill the bevels in which the 2 pieces of drywall meet?

[@michaelsa892]

So now I know why a have a couple of spots that the tape puckered or peaked

[@bobbinsnest]

If you get the chance, can you please show us how to remove a ceiling medallion. Thanks in advance.

[@JCPHARWOODND]

I just taped my garage with paper tape and I have noticed I have a couple slits in the tape prior to my first coat of mud, what should I do?

[@fleetwin1]

OK, gonna try this again. I thought you prescribed "wetting the tape prior to application" in one of your older videos, perhaps that was some other channel....

[@paulmaxwell8851]

I think Ben did do a video on the pros and cons of wetting the tape. See if you can find it. And I think the conclusion was that it is not necessary. I used to always wet my tape until a pro told me to stop.

[@michaelanthony9068]

QUESTION… I see the crease on both sides of the tape. One side the crease is raised, the other side it’s indented. Which side ? Should the outside of the roll face the wall ? Thank you for these videos, they’re great !

[@MyUnquenchableThirst]

black shirt today. felling okay VC?

[@Kmher90]

I know this is a different subject but what do you use for skim coating smooth walls. Light weight or heavy weight mud and do you have a preference?

[@pjlocke1]

I am an amateur, so this is worth what you paid for it. I just completed a master bath where wallpaper had been removed and the walls painted. So I had no bare board showing but miles of trim and odd corners to work around. First, I skimmed it tight with 90 minute setting compound. On much of the walls you could see the paint. That is how tightly I skimmed. Then I skimmed again with blue lid light weight. It is between heavy and the light weight green lid. I found that the second coat adhered to the wall better using the setting compound first versus two coats of bucket mud. Plus you don't have to wait over night between coats.

[@shegocrazy]

What's the solution if the tape slides with the knife? Is the mix too wet?

[@travisk5589]

Ben. Do you notice if taping mud is stickier than all purpose?

[@harrychin8398]

Did you let the coat without tape dry or was it wet?

[@surferdude8086]

Dude, I'm not a drywall guy at all but I've done thousands of sq ft of the stuff and I always used fiberglass tape and after watching a couple of your videos I was like... Yah, bro... I can do this, and I will never use that garbage again. Thanks for the videos. 🤙😁🌊🏄

[@vancouvercarpenter]

:)

[@mikeblaszczak5346]

Anybody have a link to the Pre-Fill 2.0 video? I found the old one, but not the new one.

[@stang1966gt]

Would not tape with quick set? Or quick set with PVA?

[@ericbrots545]

I’m redoing a room, the ceiling has textured designs on it, I’m gonna leave it, and the walls have to be drywalled and plastered. How do I plaster the ceiling to wall seams? I can’t put tape over the textured ceiling

[@redsquirrelftw]

I saw someone do it where they actually scrape the texture off and tape then try to match the texture after. Me personally as a non pro I would just chance putting tape on the wall only and try to get it as close to the edge as I can and hope for the best. If it cracks or looks ugly you then put crown molding. :P

[@RK-fp7ob]

Amazing how nothing falls down when you put it on....... cause thats what happens to me.

[@merlin3921]

Question: If I am doing a long joint, can I do it in several pieces of tape. Is it okay to have a break in the tape with a 1/8" gap between the tape ends. I have the same situation on a ceiling corner - very long run and I put some breaks in the tape - is that really bad? Thanks. Your videos are awesome.

[@Beandiptheredneck]

Merlin should be fine, I’ve done breaks that overlapped without issue

[@merlin3921]

@@Beandiptheredneck Awesome! Thanks a ton for replying.

[@MoneyManHolmes]

I always wondered that too because I’m not skilled enough to do an entire length of wall at one time. Should the tape overlap, butt together, or have a small gap?

[@merlin3921]

@@MoneyManHolmes I did the small gap but I think all methods are fine.

[@MoneyManHolmes]

I think you’re right. I actually have one wall in a closet that I pre-filled but never got around to taping for at least a year. It’s an exterior wall too so it probably sees some temp variations. The mud still hadn’t cracked when I finally taped it.

[@alienproductions9948]

Great video! Could you clarify exactly what taping mud is? Would that be the same as quick set? Thanks in advance.

[@thehamburglar9mm]

wondering same question

[@alienproductions9948]

@@thehamburglar9mm Hey. I ended up doing a lot of research of his videos to answer this. He is in Canada and what we call regular, heavyweight joint compound in the USA is what he means by taping mud. In fact he says it is stronger than even the taping mud he uses in Vancouver.

[@alienproductions9948]

@@thehamburglar9mm He answers this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnOThWODetuHe8k

[@shimes424]

0:14 taping mud review in the works? Is your knife over or under 8 inches? Popsicle or shaped? Do you go for stability or lightweight? Does it turn well? How is the slide?

[@shegocrazy]

VC has a vireo where he describes the tools he uses & likes. I know it is there somewhere because I remember referring to it around this time last year.

[@chartle1]

Think there is also one on mud. But I think the issue is mud is sort of region specific. Could also be big box stores don't carry all types. I've never seen taping mud. It maybe only avaliable at pro supply houses. I've only really seen all purpose mid weight and light weight.

[@shegocrazy]

@@chartle1 I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination but have a bit a personal experience. In Australia you won't find anything called "taping mud" but you would use "base coat". www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?page=1&q=base%20coats%20plaster&sort=BoostOrder&pageSize=60 The numbers indicate work time so 45 for example means you have 45 mins to get it done (in theory). Base coat is harder and stiffer than finishing coat so you don't want to have to sand it. Finish is also not as smooth. All purpose mud is, as you'd expect, a compromise between base and top coats and is good for small jobs. Top coats range from smooth to ultrasmooth and are easy to sand with the best finishes.

[@cataclysmic911]

Great channel. I ask a question and get 6 really helpful replies. Thanks. I hate doing ceilings. Ya wanna come over to finish it? Beer’s on me.

[@j0.ZEF-Who]

Tape the joint...ahh

[@unknownuser3378]

So do you use mesh tape at all while taping drywall? I’ve always been told mesh on butt joint and paper tape on tapered

[@stargateproductions]

That's not right, you should never use mesh tape on butt joints, they will crack. Use paper or fibafuse on all of your joints

[@unknownuser3378]

stargateproductions I actually have completely coverted to the point where there’s no mesh on any of my jobs. Had a boss who did drywall inspections and was told it’s always the mesh that fails

[@stargateproductions]

Totally agree, I only used paper tape. It almost never fails, easy to repair and very economical.

[@UnworthyChicken]

Whos recording for you?

[@alienproductions9948]

If someone could tell me the difference between taping mud and all purpose compound I would be very grateful. Thanks!

[@Paulscottrock]

Alien Productions heavy mud has glue in it . Lightweight mud does not

[@alienproductions9948]

@@Paulscottrock Thanks, but which is "taping" and which is "all-purpose"? I don't think we have "taping" mud in the US, so I'm trying to find a substitute. EDIT: I've found a video where it explains the difference and VC says he prefers heavyweight All-Purpose for taping over the lightweight Taping Mud that is available in western Canada. Thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnOThWODetuHe8k

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

kool if someone is on a budget can we use masking tape?

[@tabithasherie3279]

Joey Del Mars Jr. masking tape cost more, joint tape is around $2 for 200 ft

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

@@tabithasherie3279 wow your right its about 75cents more and 50ft less.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

No. But if you want to find out why try it and report back.

[@monkeygraborange]

BWAHAHAHA!

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

@@monkeygraborange its an honest question im still learning bro

[@fireman77400]

Sup

[@cataclysmic911]

How would you fill 1/2 gap in a corner joint? I’ve got a ceiling to do with some pretty good sized gaps. A guy doing the job bailed out leaving a Sheetrock ceiling. Rookie here trying to finish his job. Thanks.

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

he made a video about that, i forgot what the thing is called tho

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/paKTm6ieg9Z6qdU

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

Get some quick set mud and fill it. Let it harden completely first then tape as normal.

[@cataclysmic911]

Joey Del Mars Jr. thank you for the link. Saved it. Appreciate it.

[@f.demascio1857]

Backer rod

[@dennisinnocente1969]

Asked a question few weeks ago. Never got responce. Either you don't know or don't care , either way I'm my interested in any thing you have to say...

[@chartle1]

So you do butt before tapered. I do one coat tapered. But even though I've been paid to do drywall I'm not a pro. (There's a joke in there 😉)

[@chartle1]

Or was this was just for KZbin?

[@kevinhughes5046]

Do a lickflip!

[@kevinhughes5046]

Kickflip.

[@BrandonRosenstrauch]

Why not upload in 1080p? Why the poor quality vids? Are you hiding something?