Tbh my seams were lifting after a year until I started using a 4-inch drywall knife to spread adhesive

Honestly, the wider blade gives a much thinner, more even coat than a trowel. Anyone else have a better tool for this?

3 comments

3 Comments

blair_martin11d agoMost Upvoted

But a super thin coat from a wide knife can starve the joint. You need some body to the mud to actually fill the gap. That extra flex @hart.sage likes in a 6-inch knife can actually cause you to press out too much adhesive from behind the tape, leading to a weak spot. A stiff trowel gives you better control over how much mud stays in the seam.

hart.sage11d ago

Ever try a 6-inch taping knife? I found the extra flex helps press the seam tape down flat while you spread, so you get less chance of bubbles.

the_faith11d ago

Know exactly what you mean about the seams lifting. Honestly, I had the same problem for ages until I switched up my tools too. I get what @hart.sage says about the flex in a 6-inch knife, but for me, that thinner coat from the wider blade just sticks better long term. It stops that thick ridge of mud that can crack later. I still use a stiffer trowel for the first coat to fill the gap, then the wide knife for the finish.

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