Keeping corners sharp without tape is a pain, I hear you. Those blue tools are handy in theory, but I’ve had the same issue—too much flex and you’re chasing waves. What’s worked for me is running a 6-inch knife down each side of the corner after the initial pass, just to clean up the edge. Let it set up a bit before you touch it again. Wet sanding’s tricky—if the sponge isn’t wrung out enough, it’ll gouge or streak for sure. It’s all about patience and not overworking it... easier said than done, I know.
I totally get the struggle with those blue corner tools—mine ended up in the “random tools I regret buying” drawer. I’ve tried the 6-inch knife trick too, but sometimes I get impatient and end up messing with it before it’s set. Then I’m back to square one, scraping and re-mudding. Patience is definitely not my strong suit.
Wet sanding is a whole other beast. I thought it’d be less dusty, but if you’re not careful, you just end up with a soggy mess and weird streaks. I actually started using one of those cheap foam sanding blocks (the kind you find in the paint aisle) for touch-ups after everything’s dry. Not perfect, but it’s saved me from gouging the wall more than once.
Honestly, I’ve learned to embrace a little imperfection. Once the paint’s on and the furniture’s back, nobody’s crawling around with a flashlight checking your corners... at least, that’s what I tell myself when I’m ready to throw in the towel.
Once the paint’s on and the furniture’s back, nobody’s crawling around with a flashlight checking your corners...
That’s pretty much my mantra too. I used to obsess over every little ridge, but after a few projects, I realized it’s just not worth the stress. Have you ever tried using a damp microfiber cloth for final touch-ups instead of wet sanding? It’s less messy, and I feel like it gives me more control. Still, I’m with you—those blue corner tools are collecting dust in my garage.
I hear you on the blue corner tools—mine are basically a shrine to good intentions at this point. I’ve tried the damp cloth trick, but honestly, I still end up fussing over the corners more than I should. Maybe it’s just living in an old house where every wall is already a little wonky... perfection’s overrated anyway, right?
perfection’s overrated anyway, right?
Honestly, I think you’re onto something there. I’ve spent way too much time trying to get those corners razor-sharp, and it never really looks “perfect” in my old place either. At some point, I just started calling it “character.” Have you tried using lightweight joint compound for the final pass? It’s not magic, but it’s a bit more forgiving if your walls aren’t exactly straight. Curious if you’ve found any budget-friendly tricks that actually save time, or is it all just elbow grease no matter what?
