If you decide to use self-adhesive fiberglass tape, just take the backing off and apply the tape over the joint. If you are using paper tape you first need to apply a thin bed of joint compound.

Another way to use joint compound to texture walls is to apply it by means of a notched trowel (the kind used to skim-coat a plaster wall) or a squeegee into which you've cut a series of indentations.

While the joint compound is still wet, put another coat of compound over the tape. Use only enough compound to cover the tape, which should still be visible through the compound.

When working with joint compound, avoid applying it to a large area; work in patches as you note how quickly the material dries on the wall.

One friend advised us to apply joint compound with a 12-inch taping knife. Another said we should apply topping compound followed by a thick coat of primer.

FibaFuse Drywall Tape Solved the Issues That Can Come With Paper Tape Joint compound fills the voids in the porous material, fusing with it.

Q. 1. When applying joint compound, I end up with small holes. What is wrong with my technique or the joint compound? 2. In your Nov. 18 column, you stated that in northern areas, black or light ...

Joint compound or plaster of paris? A former owner had wallpapered the ceiling of my bathroom. I’ve scraped it off but in places, the plaster has come off all the way down to the cement. To patch it, ...