There are both interior and exterior corner beads available.

Both can be used on straight seams, but inside corners are best covered with paper tape.

Joint Compound

Joint compound, or mud, is available inpremixed and powder forms.

drywall and tools

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Next, check your drywall for any protruding fasteners.

Do this by dragging a drywall taping knife across the surface of the drywall.

Remove any torn parts of the drywall with a razor or other sharp tool to ensure a smoother finish.

tools to finish drywall

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Warning

It is important to wear a dust mask and eye protection while sanding.

The sanding dust is not toxic but it can irritate your lungs and eyes.

Apply the Finish Coat

The finishing coat is a very light final layer of mud.

applying the first mud coat

​The Spruce / Margot Cavin

To apply, use a wide drywall taping knife trowel of at least 12 inches.

When applying the first coat and tape, you’ll need to work with compound pretty quickly.

To help with efficiency, make use of a compound pan.

applying fiberglass tape

​The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Adrywall-specific primercan also be lightly sanded if needed.

On the other hand, matte and eggshell paints can be applied to Level 3 and 4 drywall finishes.

Achieving a smooth finish on drywall comes down to the system and sanding tools and techniques.

finishing inside corners

​The Spruce / Margot Cavin

The mud is used to fill seams and other indentations in the drywall.

It does not need to be applied over the entire surface.

finishing corners

​The Spruce / Margot Cavin

applying the fill coat

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applying the finishing coat

​The Spruce / Margot Cavin

sanding dry wall

​The Spruce / Margot Cavin