Corner Spackling Tips

When it comes to spackling, especially the tricky corners and joints, you want to make sure you’re doing it right. This includes not only prepping the area, but also using the right tools and techniques. Taking the time to do it right will create a great-looking finished product and can help you save time and money in the long run.

Before you start spackling, the best way to insure a good job is to mix the spackle properly. Be sure to use an electric mixer and blend the powder into the water until it reaches a smooth peanut butter consistency. This helps ensure that the spackle will adhere to the wall properly.

When you’re ready to start spackling, make sure you plan out which order you will tackling the different tasks. Start by spackling the nail and screw holes first, then move on to the long horizontal joints, then the outside corners, and finally the inside corners. It’s important to give each coat of spackle enough time to dry before applying the next coat. When it is grey, it is still drying, while white means it is completely dry. If you are in a cold climate, running a fan or heater can help speed up the drying time.

When it comes to the tools you use, you will want to purchase a few different sized putty knives for all your spackling tasks. An 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch should be adequate. Also don’t forget to buy an inside corner tool if you plan on spackling inside corners.

When spackling the outside corners of drywall, aim to finish in three coats of spackle. The first coat should be the heaviest. Use an 8-inch knife to apply the mud, covering up and filling in the space between the wall and the corner bead. Position the putty knife so that one edge is on the corner bead and the other end over the drywall. This coat should be the thickest and should be applied in one long pass.

On the second coat, use a larger knife (a 10-inch works well). For external corners, the aim is to feather the mud outward to make the corner joint invisible. On this coat you want to also make longer passes, slowly feathering up and out from the corner.

For the third and final coat, use a 12-inch knife and make again long passes, slowly feathering up and out from the corner. The more time you take to make sure the edges are invisible, the better the end result.

Inside corners include the joint connecting the ceiling and wall. Start by applying a thick layer of spackle with an 8-inch knife. Smooth out the corner immediately with an inside corner tool, making long passes from the top down. On the first coat, focusing on smoothing out the corner, without worry too much about the edges. This can wait till the second and third coat.

Add more mud to the edges of each side of the corner with an 8-inch knife. For the second and third coat, use a broad, 8-inch knife to feather the edges outward. As with outside corners, the more time you spend to make the joint edges invisible, the better the end result.

Once the spackle is dry, you can look at adding extra texture to match the existing wall. With the right tools and technique, the imperfections on your walls and ceilings will disappear. Taking the time to do it right is the best way for you to create a nice finish and save money and time in the long run.