Last Updated on March 13, 2023
Drywall is a popular material for home construction because it’s cheap, easy to install, and looks good. However, one downside of drywall is that it can be difficult to get a professional-looking finish around windows.
The fact is, drywall is a somewhat finicky material. So, it’s easy to mess up the finish around windows, which can be both unsightly and difficult to fix.
Many people try to avoid taping and mudding drywall around windows because it can be a challenging job. Often, they will just leave the drywall unfinished or patch it with a joint compound which can lead to an inferior finish.
In this article, we will show you how to tape and mud drywall around windows. We will also give you some tips on how to avoid common mistakes. By following our simple steps, you can learn how to tape and mud drywall around windows like a pro. This will give you a smooth, finished look that will last for years.
How to Tape and Mud Drywall around Windows
You’ll need:
Before you get started, you will need a few supplies:
-Tape measure
-Circular saw
-Plywood
-Ruler or a straight edge
-High-density foam roller
-Paintbrush
-Joint compound
-Knife
-Drywall screws
-Strap clamp
-Crowbar
-Chisel
How to do it:
If you’re looking to learn how to tape and mud drywall around windows like a pro, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will show you how to do it step-by-step. Let’s get started.
Prepping the Window for Tape and Mud
The first step is to prep the window for tape and mud.
- Remove the trim and sanding down any rough edges.
- You will also need to fill in any holes or cracks with putty.
Measure and cut the drywall:
- Measure the window opening and cut the drywall to size using a circular saw.
- If the drywall is not square, use a ruler or a straight edge to draw a line across the drywall that is perpendicular to the longest side of the window opening.
- Cut along the line using a chisel and a hammer.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for the other side of the window opening.
Install the plywood:
- If you are not using pre-made drywall corners, install a piece of plywood around the window opening using drywall screws.
- The plywood should be flush with the inside edge of the window opening.
- If the plywood is not flush, use a chisel and a hammer to adjust it until it is.
Tape the drywall:
- Apply a thin layer of joint compound to the inside edge of the window opening using a paint brush.
- Apply tape to the drywall using a high-density foam roller.
- Start by cutting a piece of tape that is about 2 inches longer than the seam.
- Then, fold the tape in half so that the adhesive is on the inside.
- Press the tape into the joint compound using a roller.
- Apply a second thin layer of joint compound to the inside edge of the window opening.
- Smooth out the joint compound with a drywall knife.
Mud the drywall:
- Apply a thin layer of joint compound to the entire window opening using a high-density foam roller.
- Smooth out the joint compound with a drywall knife.
- Allow the joint compound to dry overnight.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for the other side of the window opening.
Sand the seams of the drywall:
- Sand the joint compound using a sanding block
- Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit.
- Make sure to sand the seams evenly. Apply a final thin layer of joint compound to the entire window opening.
- Smooth out the joint compound with a drywall knife.
- Allow the joint compound to dry overnight.
Prime and paint the area around the window:
- Prime and paint the area around the window using a paint brush.
- Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Allow the primer and paint to dry overnight.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for the other side of the window opening.
Apply trim to the window:
- Apply trim to the window using a strap clamp.
- Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Apply a second coat of trim if necessary.
- Allow the trim to dry overnight.
- Repeat steps 2-4 for the other side of the window opening.
Tips for Taping and Mudding Drywall around Windows
Now that you know how to tape and mud drywall around windows, you can do it yourself with ease! Remember to follow these tips for the best results:
- If the drywall is not flush with the edge of the window opening, use a chisel and a hammer to adjust it until it is.
- If the tape bubbles up, press it down with a roller.
- Do not sand the joint compound until it is completely dry.
- Make sure to apply a thin layer of joint compound to the entire window opening.
- If you make a mistake, use a damp cloth to remove the joint compound and start over.
- Allow the joint compound to dry overnight before sanding it.
- If you are using pre-made drywall corners, make sure they are installed correctly.
- Apply trim to the window opening using a strap clamp.
- If the trim is not flush with the edge of the window opening, use a chisel and a hammer to adjust it until it is.
- Apply a second coat of trim if necessary.
- Allow the trim to dry overnight.
- If you are not using pre-made drywall corners, install a piece of plywood around the window opening using drywall screws.
- The plywood should be flush with the inside edge of the window opening.
- If the plywood is not flush, use a chisel and a hammer to adjust it until it is.
- Apply a thin layer of joint compound to the inside edge of the window opening using a paint brush.
- Apply tape to the drywall using a high density foam roller.
- Press the tape into the joint compound using a roller.
- Apply a second thin layer of joint compound to
FAQs
How do I adjust the drywall so it’s flush with the window opening?
Ans. Use a chisel and hammer to adjust the drywall until it is flush with the window opening.
How do I get rid of bubbles in the tape?
Ans. Press down on the bubble with a roller.
What type of trim should I use?
Ans. You can use any type of trim you like, as long as it is flush with the edge of the window opening.
Can I sand the joint compound before it dries?
Ans. No, wait until the joint compound is completely dry before sanding.
What type of primer and paint should I use?
Ans. You can use any type of primer and paint you like.
Can I install pre-made drywall corners?
Ans. Yes, but make sure they are installed correctly.
How do I make sure the trim is flush with the edge of the window opening?
Ans. Use a chisel and hammer to adjust the trim until it is flush with the window opening.
What should I do if I make a mistake?
Ans. Use a damp cloth to remove the joint compound and start over.
Final thoughts
So there you have it your complete guide on how to tape and mud drywall around windows like a pro. Now your home improvement projects will be easier than ever.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to get a beautiful, finished look that will last for years. Just remember to follow our tips for the best results. We guarantee you’ll be happy with the finished product!
Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful. For more home improvement tips and tricks, be sure to check out our blog.
Have a great day!