Old timer told me to stop using my taping knife like a shovel

I had been mudding for about 6 months. Guy named Earl with 30 years under his belt watched me for maybe 2 minutes. He just laughed and said I was fighting the mud instead of letting it work. He showed me to feather the edges real light. Pull the knife at a flat angle. Not dig in like a bulldozer. Changed everything. My joints stopped showing through after that. Took me from 3 coats down to 2 most days. Has anyone else had some old hand just completely rearrange how you work?

2 comments

2 Comments

phoenix84529d ago

Why does everybody think they have to learn everything the hard way first? I've been working with my hands my whole life and Earl's advice is pure gold. That feathering trick is the difference between amateur work and something you'd be proud to show off. Most people dig in like they're fighting the mud when really you just need to guide it. Three coats down to two is a huge win on any job. Earl probably saved you weeks of sanding over a career.

nancy329d ago

The old timer's advice sounds good on paper but not every job calls for that light touch especially when you're dealing with old panning that's already cracking and pulling away. Sometimes you really do need to dig in and force the mud into those gaps or else you'll be back next week patching the same spots. Feathering edges is great for new construction but on repairs you might end up with a bulge that stands out worse than a visible joint if you don't pack it in right.