When dry walling, how do you stop the tape from bubbling... Any hints for easier application welcome!?
Answers:
The tape will always bubble if there is not sufficient mud underneath. Improper application will haunt you for ever. You need to make sure that your mud is not too thick. If it is, your are making your job too hard and the tape will have a harder time adhearing.
The alternative to sanding is wet sanding with sponge. This only works if there are no major ridges. If you need any more information email me and i will help as much as I can.
Other answers:
I have never done this, but look on www.diynet.com for answers - it's a very helpful site!
I have never done this, but look on www.diynet.com for answers - it's a very helpful site!
Are you using paper tape or mesh tape?
If using paper, soak the tape in water for a few minutes before putting it on.
Are you putting a thin layer of joint cement onto the joint area, then putting your tape, then another layer of joint compound?
I am afraid sanding is needed, but if you put a heavy texture finish on the wall the amount of sanding you need to do is lessened.
If you have ever seen the professionals do drywall, you would be amazed at how fast they work. It may be practical to hire one to come in and do the room. They could finish in a couple of hours.
Make sure you're putting enough goop under the tape. Then use a spackle knife to smooth it and squish out the excess. The better you do the tape, the easier the sanding will go. My dad would tape, sand, and then spackle some more to smooth it out, sand again, and then do whatever to the wall.
Sorry, I don't think there's an alternative to sanding unless you could put molding or something over the seams to cover up the tape.
One trick to lessen (not eliminate) sanding is to use a very wide knife, I would suggest 8" or 12" for the final coat of mud. If done correctly, you will have very little sanding to do. Finishing sheet rock is more of an art than a science and the more you do it, the better you get. My problem is that I do it so well that when I come back later and try to find studs to hang stuff, I could not see the tape nor the nail depressions.. I ended up having to buy a stud finder..