Tape and jointing

0Floz0 · 20 Nov 2022

Hi all,

Having a right pain trying to tape and joint. I’d get a plasterer in if I could afford one and they had availability before Xmas.

I’m using a 12 inch taping knife (as well as smaller knives to set the tape in). Everything isn’t too bad until I get to running the 12 inch knife over the tapered joint. It seems to keep roughing up the paper of the plasterboard and then sticking to the knife and making big gauges in the easifill. Any idea why this is happening? I’ve tried googling but no joy. Not sure if I’m wording it right.

Thanks all

RandomGrinch · 20 Nov 2022

What easyfill are you using?
Only a DIY'er, but I've done a fair amount of tape and jointing.
The benefit I feel, from being a DIY'er is I can do things slowly - so I use easyfill 60 and take my time.
I embed the tape with the smaller knife, then leave it. When dry, I sand it back to within the taper, and then fill with the big knife.
I can then go back and fill any imperfections.
It sounds as if your mix is too dry - the knife should just glide over the easyfill.
You may also be using a quick drying filler, which doesn't give much working time?
...you might also get gouges in the fill, if the knife drags out any poorly mixed filler.

stuart45 · 20 Nov 2022

If you have time to spare Knauf fill and finish is really easy to use.
Look at Vacouver carpenter on YouTube.

mcprinter · 20 Nov 2022

Agree with Vancouver Carpenter. Quite addictive.
Agree with RG as well

I have done a bit with Easifill 60 and paper tape/fibafuse mesh tape
Sounds like your mix might be too dry or you are trying to use it too long after it was mixed.

0Floz0 · 20 Nov 2022

mcprinter said:
Agree with Vancouver Carpenter. Quite addictive.
Agree with RG as well

I have done a bit with Easifill 60 and paper tape/fibafuse mesh tape
Sounds like your mix might be too dry or you are trying to use it too long after it was mixed.

Yeah I’ve been watching his videos on why I was getting bubbles in the tape. But can’t seem to find why I keep getting bits of the paper from the board itself in it. Maybe I’m pushing too hard?

Might switch to knauf fill and finish as think I’ll run out of easifill anyway. Do you get the powdered version or the ready mixed one?

0Floz0 · 20 Nov 2022

RandomGrinch said:
What easyfill are you using?
Only a DIY'er, but I've done a fair amount of tape and jointing.
The benefit I feel, from being a DIY'er is I can do things slowly - so I use easyfill 60 and take my time.
I embed the tape with the smaller knife, then leave it. When dry, I sand it back to within the taper, and then fill with the big knife.
I can then go back and fill any imperfections.
It sounds as if your mix is too dry - the knife should just glide over the easyfill.
You may also be using a quick drying filler, which doesn't give much working time?
...you might also get gouges in the fill, if the knife drags out any poorly mixed filler.

Using the 60 min stuff. It’s happening straight away so only 5 mins after mixing it up. So maybe it’s just not wet enough? It feels like if it was any wetter it’d be too runny though.

stuart45 · 20 Nov 2022

Get the ready mixed. Wet it down a touch for bedding the tape. Don't push too hard on the knife. It's all about getting the feel of the tools.
I normally bed the tape, then 3 coats on top. 3 coats on the screw holes, 2 coats on the junctions. Get the coats right and you only need to sand the last one.

mcprinter · 21 Nov 2022

Ready mix is a good shout.

I got bad bubbles on my first few attempts. And a few on later jobs. Small ones can be cut out with a sharp knife and filled over.

You could try self adhesive mesh tape to avoid bubbles in the paper tape.

Gyproc FibaTape Xtreme Plasterboard Joint Tape 48mm x 90m | Toolstation

• High-tack for adhesion in cold, warm or humid environments • Performs in temperatures of 5-35°C • Mesh fabric prevents blisters and bubbles • Greater width to cover board fixings and add strength to joins Extra sticky drywall joint tape. Performs even in extreme temperatures (5-35...

www.toolstation.com

mikeey84 · 21 Nov 2022

I gave up using paper as I kept having the same issues and use the mesh tape now, but only on tapered board.

As with randomgrinch i tend to fill the joint, add the tape and then come back to it after it has hardened, then it's a lot easier.

Also, if you are going to use ready mix, I see a lot of the US YouTube videos, they add a squirt of washing up liquid, and then use a paddle mixer to get the consistency much smoother.

RandomGrinch · 21 Nov 2022

Does anyone else run the tape through a bowl of water before bedding it in?
I haven't had any issues with bubbles since trying this.

stuart45 · 21 Nov 2022

RandomGrinch said:
Does anyone else run the tape through a bowl of water before bedding it in?
I haven't had any issues with bubbles since trying this.

I haven't yet, but will keep that tip in mind.

0Floz0 · 21 Nov 2022

I think part of my problem is that I’m trying to bed the tape in too much so end up removing too much filler.

As long as there is filler behind it, it won’t bubble. So maybe it’s worth letting it set first and then filling over the top as most of you seem to do.

My other issue is I’m mixing it up with a bucket trowel. I guess I should find my paddle mixer instead. Maybe that’s why I’m getting gritty bits.

I think I’ll grab some of the ready mix knauf. Wickes sell the premium version. Is that the one you all mean?

stuart45 · 21 Nov 2022

Yes, let the tape go off first. Looked this up after the post from RandomGrinch.

Knauf Fill and Finish Light - 5kg | Wickes.co.uk

Knauf Fill and Finish Light - 5kg

www.wickes.co.uk

This one, but I use 3 coats, not 2 as they say.

RandomGrinch · 21 Nov 2022

Jamesn88 said:
I think part of my problem is that I’m trying to bed the tape in too much so end up removing too much filler.

Yep, it took me a while to get the amount right. I thought I had done a perfect job the first time, I came back and all the tape was on the floor!

Jamesn88 said:
My other issue is I’m mixing it up with a bucket trowel. I guess I should find my paddle mixer instead. Maybe that’s why I’m getting gritty bits.

I've never had an issue with hand mixing easyfill, but a paddle mixer is a must have if you move up to plastering proper

0Floz0 · 21 Nov 2022

stuart45 said:
Yes, let the tape go off first. Looked this up after the post from RandomGrinch.

Knauf Fill and Finish Light - 5kg | Wickes.co.uk

Knauf Fill and Finish Light - 5kg

www.wickes.co.uk

This one, but I use 3 coats, not 2 as they say.

Interesting video.

How far does one tub of that stretch? I’ve got a 2m x 4m room to do. I’ve done about a third of the joints (badly) so minor tweaks for that part to bring it up to scratch. Wondering if one tub is enough? Quite pricey compared to the powder.

Do you have to use it all in one go or does it keep with the lid back on?

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Tape and jointing

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