Finishing Drywall Corners

Most drywall jobs have inside corners to finish. Though it might seem challenging, inside corners are actually easy to finish. You can use a special corner trowel to apply the compound, but I have better luck using the same 6-inch taping knife I use on flat surfaces.

1. Apply a thin coat of compound down one side of the corner, then cover the other side.

2. Cut a piece of paper tape long enough to cover the entire joint, then fold it along the center crease. Starting at the top, lightly push the tape into the compound on both sides.

3. With the taping knife, press the tape into the compound from top to bottom on one side, then the other. Apply sufficient pressure to push enough compound out from under the tape to create a square corner. Take care not to cut the paper with the edge of the knife.

4. Let the compound dry overnight, or longer if necessary. Sand the dried compound.

5. Apply a second coat of compound with the 6-inch knife. There’s usually no need to apply a third coat or use a wide knife on inside corners.

6. Give the corners a final sanding when sanding the rest of the wall.