Every Beginner Taping Mistake I Can Think Of!

How to avoid beginner mistakes when first taping drywall!
Here's some tools you might need:
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[@Andrew-cp3ki]

Hey Ben! I had a big drywall job about 2 months ago. My coworker and I had a little friendly argument on how to apply the paper tape. I add a ton of mud behind the tape like you taught us and wipe it away after applying the tape. My coworker claimed that if you add TOO much mud, it will blister/bubble. So we split up into two rooms. He did his method, I did mine. Let’s just say he had quite a bit of blisters to cut away and refill the next day 😂. Thanks Ben for the lessons! 👍🏻

[@GT-43]

Soak the tape in water first.

[@Andrew-cp3ki]

@@GT-43 Ben actually has a debunk video on this. The water creates a barrier that hinders the mud from adhering properly. Check it out.

[@joelee2959]

Started with a new company as there head painter, they didn’t have anyone to tape and mud, I told them I can do it because Ben taught me, they said ok who is Ben, I said don’t worry about, I now run that side for them to now, Thank you Ben, for teaching many of us on how to improve our skills.

[@Jeff-v2c]

Prep, prep, prep. Totally necessary and worth every minute spent.

[@TheAverageJoeBro]

You’re like a Drywall Bob Ross… good stuff. Doin a garage conversion and those corner taping methods are coming in clutch.

[@poundsfamilyadventures6130]

Beginner here and I must say this video was very helpful with my home remodeling.

[@stephenholland6328]

Wait til you watch a bunch more of his videos. Great teacher. Watch for the principles of application and feathering. As a homeowner it’s saved me thousands of dollars compared to pulling in a pro for a small job 8 - 15 times. Yeah, you’ll take longer and use 4-6 coats instead of 3, but so worth it.

[@da324]

I painted many moons ago for about 10 years. The first couple of days painting when we broke for lunch, I noticed my friend and boss was gone while I was still cleaning paint off of me. The next day same thing. I said man, you clean up fast, he said, good painters don't wear paint. Same with drywallers. they might get a bit on their hands, but they don't wear it and make a mess. Also, pros make it look much easier than it is, but you have to realize they do this everyday and it is second nature. Take your time, don't get discouraged, and you'll get good results too. Great content, thanks!

[@onemannation4321]

He is my SENSEI thank to him i learn how to mud so good than even people when the see my work offer me jobs a contractor was doing my neighbors house so my neighbor brought him to my house so i can show him the work i was doing on my bathroom and the contactor was so impress the he offer me a job.thank you SENSEI BEN

[@satunday]

BENSEI

[@Yosetime]

Really? Well that there just warms my heart! You reminded me of something: 'Wipe on...Wipe off'! That was from the very first Karate Kid movie...back in the 80's I think. You said "Sensei"... and he was mudding and taping 'wipe on, wipe off', just like the Sensei showed the Karate Kid. Ok well you might have had to have seen it to get that one. But, I'm so glad that you learned enough to earn yourself a job offer! I hope it's going well!

[@tinasanchez7401]

Excellent video, thanks for going slow for us newbies. The lighting and the video guy did a great job as well!

[@Jacques.Bodaire]

I've been watching for a few years knowing I would be drywalling some DIY renovations eventually. I finally started last week and all of your knowledge has been golden. Thank you for this and your prior videos.

[@lespaul36]

I am DIY guy as well that has jacked up drywall repair. This is one of my main channels to watch along with another Canadian (I am in the US). In watching them it seems my biggest issue was my fear, drywall is pretty easy to fix. Finishing it, I still got some to learn.

[@dimitryp5540]

Thanks for instructions, I am a beginner and thanks to you I can avoid all these mistakes. Please keep making these great videos

[@2aselin]

Just finished prepping my bedroom for painting. After watching refresher vids from my favorite Canadian contractors, I have fixed fine cracks from settling, prefilled and taped some corners that my Mom tried to cover with crappy silicone caulking, and filled all the tiny holes from pictures. The walls already have lost all the spots from old spackling and the room looks great! Can't wait to cover the old painted-on stencils from the 90's with KILZ and make this place my own! Thanks for all the help with learning new tricks. I am saving a TON on remodeling my folks' old place!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Ben you have no idea how much your videos have helped me! Tried a 3x12 trowel with a Hawk today and it was a GAME CHANGER! I’m never using a taping knife ever again lol. I’m making a YT video about drywalling my shed as we speak and I absolutely could not have done it without your vids man. Thank you so much!

[@apmeehan]

After re-taping an entire room using a 4" knife and pan, I *still* feel comically inept at manoeuvering them just to get the mud where I want it on the knife. So I'm seriously considering trying a hawk instead next time. Did you feel like there was much of a learning curve, or did it immediately feel intuitive?

[@jimicrackcorn]

I definitely appreciate your skill set and passing of knowledge! Thanks

[@KathyLimpede]

Oh my gosh! I’ve been putting off a drywall project because of lack of confidence! After watching your video I’m ready to go! Thank you!

[@VickyBurch-v4l]

Thanks so much for your invaluable teachings. For the budget conscious DIYer we have literally saved thousands. Your calm demeanor has in turn helped me stay calm, keeping me from throwing the toys out of the cot, even when the mud is more on me than on the wall. Nga mihi nui, From New Zealand

[@nerfmadeeasy]

You are a consummate professional, showcasing educational integrity.

[@seanmellows1348]

Excellent presentation, solid gold. Huge lol at “don’t be like ih ih ih… sideswipe!” (Paraphrased) Thanks

[@dansarfert3585]

I always appreciate these off the cuff and longer length video's. I've learned a lot from you even though I only drywall a few times a year. I go back to your video's to re-learn and get in the zone with each project. I don't know where I picked it up, but I've recoated over the tape after wiping it out. Surely a beginner mistake. It takes so much extra time and creates bubbles because of the tape moving around. I tend to do it starting a job, then kick myself, get in the groove, and get the right amount under the tape first then move to the next joint.

[@JaegerDives]

Great haircut. Good looking and low maintenance! Your workflow is inspirational. It would take me 10x the time to complete that. Thanks for making these vids!

[@Yosetime]

I think there is a lot to be said about mudding and taping by hand for your first try at it, or even your second try. This is where you learn the subtleties and the preciseness of the job. Personally, I find it very satisfying. Even watching you do it while you're not talking was almost therapeutic! Thanks for the tips! Great video style, off the cuff like on a real job! Genius idea!

[@kingchris340]

😢🎉😢😢😢😢🎉😢😮

[@pamelayohn7921]

I'm about to drywall my mom's kitchen. I've done patches but this will be my first solo drywall DIY. Found this guy who is not only a great teacher, but also easy on the eyes. 🤙 me Ben!❤️😂

[@michele0324]

I ❤ when you make the mistakes for us.! With the help of your drywall tutorials I've taken a garage from studs to finished and repaired closet walls w/ several ft of torn gypsum using wood glue first. The process and results were seamless thanks to your help. II did make the mistake of using an orbit sander on the closet walls making this small enclosed area look like an '80s crime scene. :)

[@jayman12348]

My old boss use to say just load on the mud we can do it in 1 coat just sand it flat.. the next day i went back to sand and he got mad it took me all day to sand it as flat as i could lol and covered the room in dust. That was the last time i worked with him. I didn’t want my name on that shotty work. I felt guilty i even did it like that knowing it was wrong. That is also when i made the decision if you’re telling me to do it wrong to save money or time you can find somebody else.

[@ryansextonsr.2071]

I just want to say Ben, you are the Bob Ross of drywall. I love watching your videos. So much knowledge to be taken away from these videos. I'm currently working on a textured ceiling that the customer wants smoothed out. I've been skim coated with just a knife and a pan. I will say that my arms and shoulders have been really tired. I watched a video of yours the other day on doing ceilings where you mudded it with a roller first. OH MY GOODNESS MAN!!! It's such a game changer. Yea, it's still some work but my arms aren't feeling it as much. Thank you so much. I only wish I would have done this sooner.

[@MrBradWilliams]

You beat me to it. Bob Ross, indeed.

[@Yosetime]

Oh! I didn't know that either! Genius idea! The only easier way is to get someone else to do that particular job! Working over your head has got to be the hardest way to exercise your upper body! Thanks for mentioning that. I'll have to go see that video now.

[@stephencrawford6082]

⁠@@MrBradWilliamsThat was my thought too. I don’t need to do any plasterboard work but I just enjoyed watching him work.

[@thefack149]

Happy little corner bead

[@lanep4322]

Super helpful info. I've been sporadically DIY drywalling for many years and you've already explained what I was doing wrong and why the results came out the way they did. Thanks for posting these very informative vids.

[@dennisyelle4885]

Thanks so much for your videos. As a homeowner who does his own repairs, your advice is invaluable. Thanks for the “hot mud “ tip as I am mating tapered boards to cut edge. Great stuff.

[@royleevaughn2990]

1st time watching...... im a painting contractor many years. I mud when i absolutely have to. It comes out ok but this guy just moved my game up... Thanks for the vid.

[@guuuuustaf]

Im no expert of drywall and mudding, But I am an expert at seeing who is an expert. And I can see that you are on a expert + level. Thank you very much for the tips.

[@BulletFarmSETX]

Just did my first drywalling, this was a big help. Thanks!

[@simmonslucas]

I made a few mistakes, but my faux wood panel removal project gets compliments all the time. It really is an art form.

[@sc1731]

Thanks for these videos, my brother-in-law was all set to try and prefill with all purpose, and then tape right over it immediately with the same all purpose, and not feathering anything out.

[@MrMattchappy]

Coming back after my hand at trying mudding for the first time, man you make it look so easy!! My first tape job was ROUGH

[@rhodeyrage]

No matter how many of your videos I watch I always learn something new, definitely could have used the wipe one side of the corner tape at a time pointer yesterday!

[@EdG-rn7dk]

Thanks. Been doing drywall patching for years and you provided me some good tips

[@Realtystewards]

Carry less tools, clean less tools. Another great tip.

[@vantuanma5967]

Thank you Ben for sharing your knowledges & expertises. Much appreciated & big hello from Toronto Canada!!

[@Brian-dw8zg]

I appreciate your videos so much. Wealth of years of skills and knowledge! Keep on rockin!

[@tommygun5vsrocky]

Your also saving us money :) They wanted here in NJ $1,000 to do 3 walls and ceiling in a 9x9x9 bathroom and to do it in one to two days. I was like forget that and I started watching your videos and it was not so bad to do. So thank you so much I appreciate it for all the time you put in these videos and sharing your knowledge which is worth way more then money at the end of the day.

[@CFLavertu]

I started prefilling with plaster of paris a while back after realizing that wide cracks completely screwed up my end result So 100% agree with this Ive probably made every single mistake in this video and had to adjust my technique to get better results because im a perfectionist and any imperfection drives me nuts lol

[@charleslassiter6082]

thank you so grateful for sharing your knowledge with us, ive learnt so much and can now see where i was going wrong

[@williammyatt1981]

I have some round horse hair brushes I purchased in the early 2000s just before they stoped making them that I brush mud in my corners with, it was made so that it fit nicely in pan and left room so you could work. I had a friend in the 90s that used an old straw small hand broom that they make with a metal nub for a handle, he would cut it at an angle so the brush flowed the way he brushed the mud in the corner, and it seemed to fit in his pan pretty decent, while leaving room for a 4" knife. Another tip is application with your knife, if you use the corner of the pan to put the right amount of mud on your knife, you can run all that mud on a lot faster running your knife the same direction the corner runs. I can tape about 4800 sq ft of drywall in about 8 hours and have plenty of time for smoke breaks, but my usual system back in the day was to tape the flats on day 1, and then coat the bead and butts right away. On day 2 I taped the corners, first coated the flats, and then second coated the butts, and finished spotting any nails I missed.

[@djkamillionmoneyrainent931]

Good job man. Im starting a new profession, which is an Apartment Maintenance Tech. And your videos are really helping me. Thank you!

[@cleansebob1]

Excellent! You make it look so easy, and I know it's not. Practice makes perfect.

[@boxxdrmtb]

I giggled when you started talking about how much you like a good hand "tape" job. But I just did one of my first seams and I've overfilled it so now I'm in sanding hell. Decided I needed to watch some more videos and try again.

[@djkamillionmoneyrainent931]

I saw someone using a Milwaukee orbit sander. And i was thinking it would be to harsh. But on a low setting with a really light grit i think it would be helpful and less time consuming than doing it by hand. Let me know what you think.

[@jayjudd6518]

Learning everything, this guy is a great teacher.

[@bphilipnyc]

Nice video. I just had this on in the background and lol'd at 47:03

[@jens2763]

I'm working with the orange waterproof tape for a shower & that stuff is thick. I put up a piece of tile up & there was rocking. I hope I'm doing it correctly by feathering out from the tape line before I add 2 coats of the waterproof membrane. And I'm also guilty of too thick mud & applying all willy nilly. 😄 Now I know what to do... Your videos are a go-to for everything drywall...Thanks!

[@mrrepurpose9596]

Jeez, looks like so much fun ima go tape the remaining undone joints tomorrow morning. An inspiring video.

[@swzebrat6409]

Thank you, Ben

[@johnhendrix4034]

Thank You so much. I have learned a lot watching and listening to your video. You do not talk to much and you certainly explain very well what to do and not to do. This is very much helping me out a lot before I develop bad habits. You have earned a new scriber.

[@andrewplough9897]

Thanks for all the extra hours you add to youre jobs to make these videos. Ive learned so much from watching. As for the american muds ive never had any problems with usg mud

[@daniesharpe1596]

I'm doing my first ever drywall effort on my garden room now and your videos have been instructional, amazing and motivating to watch. Thank you. Also like the skateboarding, but that is another thing!

[@99algae]

Grew up in a family of builders. And they were good…masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and some of them were pretty good with drywall. This guy is hands down the best I have ever seen. There is an art to this craft that not everyone is capable of doing. I can do just about anything crafty, building, creating but drywalling? Nope. My sander is my best friend. I have hired out the job and have been constantly disappointed in the quality of the work.

[@ClintonGCable]

As a beginning novice I’m seeking to make the same scraping and taping sounds on the mud pan as you. It’s the sound of music… my spouse thinks I’m a pro.

[@chriscastillo6774]

great simplicity!, great attitude, great communication to us for learning!.....keep up the great videos!.....you need a icon, business shirt!....I will wear one. your name and logo!....great job!!!!!

[@Paul-kw1og]

Great work as usual. You make me feel like taping something.😊

[@ไอติม-บ6ฟ]

Thank you your video has help me want to fixing crack on wall, thank for teaching appreciated

[@tonyk92]

Love the content! Id say I'm a little better than a noob or a DIY'r but I still learn stuff from your videos!

[@bumstead1383]

You’re a tape master. Yes a good handy has its place for sure!! Lol Great beginners videos. Thanks, it will be good to reference when doing this weekend.

[@edmundeverett2938]

Thanks Ben, for making and sharing this very helpful video, it’s much appreciated 😊👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@DanielDickin]

I hope one day someone loves me as much as Ben loves confill ❤

[@billweare2146]

Useful content. I learned a lot watching your technique

[@UnkleSi]

Thanks Ben! Just about to tape some long internal corners of my garage ceiling - was wondering if I could tape it in two pieces! I will be working at a leisurely pace 😁 great advice!

[@MatthewCapron]

Fantastic tips. Thanks so much for creating this content.

[@scvic2006]

I def had a 'beginner' mistake over the weekend. Used a mud style corner bead. Either I didn't have enough mud or too much....but the paper edge bubbled. Probably should've used hot mud but I went with the air dry. Ah well...live n learn

[@anthonyfrade5203]

I durabond every join no matter if it's factory or not and all the screws in the corners. The light weight stuff or machine mud is smoother and stays wet better for machines and pumps as it keeps them running smoother. It also has a very smooth finish when it dries so best for second coats or third. If people still do third coats.

[@Chris.Rhodes]

Shh.... Ben is speaking. Let me learn!

[@lvvry1855]

I just ignored a 2024 Oscar winner movie to watch this. I couldn't NOT watch, while my wife watched the movie. What's wrong with me? So interesting. Thanks a million. I feel like I've conquered the world.

[@cryptodojoau5425]

Nothing wrong with you! Well, nothing that ignoring the Oscar winning movie would signal 😊

[@dub944]

Hey Ben, just a big thanks for providing these videos. I’ll be putting up a dividing stud wall in the basement over the holidays and this is exactly what I needed. Cheers from Victoria,BC 🍻

[@HerrLindstrom]

Sometimes the king and jack studs on doors and by windows wont be flush with eachother so thats probably why that joint by the electrical outlet was pushed an 1/8th or so out from the other sheet.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

I’m pretty sure that’s why.

[@lespaul36]

Ben, I am ex electrician and low volt guy. Low volt, ie datacom, we had this thing like we were awesome. I got in to electrical and realized, we (low volt guys) were morons. I got stuck dealing with low volt guys (due to my past of low volt work) and they have little clue, I had little clue then as well. I learned basic framing and stuff as a real electrician. And soon learned to chum up to drywallers. It is an art, not like my other expertise. I have done a decent amount of work on a few places and did the drywall fixes to point of texture and paint, thanks to you and another Canadian DIY guy. But also, in a commercial job, understanding this stuff makes for better working together, saving money, and getting it done right. I talk to dry wallers before a fix so they push off that area and try to get the old drywall back in place enough so they do not have a major repair.

[@matthewpolo227]

THANK YOU 🔨

[@needaman66]

Hey mate, your story resonates. Im a carpenter and got into "setting" by necessity. I used to get a mate to set my small renos until je got sick of it a d showed me how to set in 3 months (pretended he needed a hand) im a hawk n trowel guy, still do everything by hand and always use 90 minute. I prefill with cornice cement. Please dont take this the wrong way, but your first coat joins look a little childish, i do respect your work other wise.

[@jeffdavis9738]

I agree Ben on smaller cut up, or repair jobs it’s just easier to hand tape and even coating! Any three ways (especially if obtuse) just breeze through them too! Then cap the bucket, clean a couple blades and move on.

[@kristopherhaycook954]

The Bob Ross of Drywall. GOAT. Thank you

[@goodbyegye8047]

Always learn something watching your vids! Thank you

[@cw4608]

I am going to keep score!

[@chrisbecker9196]

I fix all sheet’s horizontal where possible and cut out around openings. Leaves just one tapered joint in middle.

[@janetpelletier1238]

Also, practice first re: large scale projects. I did a home and learned on my way. I just wish I would have done some smaller projects. I used this channel for guidance and my project turned out really good. It just would have been so much less frustrating and overwhelming if I had a little experience.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

School of hard knocks is the best teacher. Sounds like you had a long class but did well in the end:)

[@janetpelletier1238]

@@vancouvercarpenter It was the excellent tutorials that gave me the confidence in the first place. Thank you very much.

[@romandabrowski8994]

Wow, I am doing some repairs and this is the best advice. Thank you!

[@ysnbtr]

It would be great if you could write a step by step guide with the type of mud to use for each of the step.

[@charliemahoney2912]

Thank you

[@PatrickFrost-n3y]

One more thing i noticed on the first time i drywalled. Make sure before you pull out your mud and tape to check all your screws to make sure they are all dimpled. To me it just seems easier to be able to just focus on the mud not finding screws that need to be fixed

[@mbschu]

So much great information and detail in this video. It is much appreciated and will be put to good use. Thank you!

[@randyconway8687]

Your a very good explainer, the best

[@sarahshaw-sehgal1146]

Oh my effing god “angry little bench” 🤣

[@dandesjardins2552]

Thank you I know I gonna get flak for this but looks like like your doing it smooth enough not to sand

[@saplays8473]

I love your videos! they are informative and give me the confidence and motivation I need to get my projects done!

[@mattpeterson553]

at 11:40, you describe the downsides of US All Purpose Heavy Weight. Your preferences remind me of USG midweight (Purple), as it is slicker than green all purpose heavy weight.

[@jesusisking7749]

Thabks for pointing this out bro, im watching these videos because im about to try to do my own place and i didnt know what to use

[@garyshaw3937]

Thanks for all the great info, I’ll be putting it to good use this week.

[@rayowens4355]

Great video! You make it look so easy!

[@intertubicular]

I thought Norm Macdonald past away? I couldn't help it. You do look and sound like a young Norm Macdonald. Very nice tape and mud skills Ben!

[@propertymaintenancerepair4049]

Awesome job great techniques. Thank you for the video.

[@STACK1NBODYBAGS]

Thanks for the knowledge you explained it well

[@angeldej4225]

So what you refer to as a recessed joint, in the states I believe it's called a beveled joint.

[@essouchement_M.S-G]

thank you very much for your videos they are very helpful!!! Merci beaucoup!!😉

[@jkalebkillian2264]

Hell yeah. I like how you wet it with the roller I'm gonna try that

[@Mebeknob]

“A couple mills here a quarter inch there” is such a Canadian thing to say! Hahaha

[@amarjitcheema8653]

Many thanks for sharing your knowledge!!

[@mybrilliantenigma]

Good content!