Honestly, you nailed it with the paper tape and flat paint combo. I’ve walked through enough old duplexes to know that you can spend hours chasing perfection, but the moment that late afternoon sun comes streaming down the hallway, all your sins are on display. Flat paint is like the Instagram filter for walls—hides just enough without making it obvious you’re covering something up.
I hear you on lightweight compound for small fixes. It’s a game-changer when you’re patching those mystery dents from who-knows-what. But for anything longer than a few feet, I always end up back with the heavy stuff too. I tried pushing lightweight over a long seam once and it shrank so much I thought the wall was moving overnight.
I’ll admit, I’m a little torn on mesh tape. In theory, it should be faster—just slap it up and go. But every time I’ve tried to trust it on anything more than a hairline crack, I’m back six months later with a putty knife and a grudge. Paper tape might be fussier to embed, but at least it doesn’t hold a grudge against me when the house settles (which, let’s face it, is always).
Old houses are just a different beast. Nothing’s square, nothing’s level, and sometimes you find yourself mudding over 80-year-old lath and plaster that’s more air than wall. In those moments, I remind myself: good enough is sometimes as good as it gets. And if all else fails... hang a big piece of art right over the trouble spot. It’s not cutting corners—it’s creative staging.
Anyone else ever decide mid-project that “character” is just another word for “I’m done sanding”?
Character is definitely code for “I’m over it.” I’ve spent way too many hours chasing that last little ridge or feathering out a joint until it’s wider than the actual wall. At some point, you just have to call it and move on. Flat paint and strategic lighting do more heavy lifting than most people realize.
Funny about mesh tape—I keep thinking I should like it, but every time I use it on a longer seam, I regret it. It’s like it’s got a personal vendetta against me. Paper tape is a pain to get right, but at least it stays put once you’ve got it in there. I’ll take a little extra work up front over having to redo a seam six months later.
Old houses are their own kind of adventure. I once tried to patch a crack in plaster that literally flexed when you leaned on it. Ended up just giving up and calling it “historic charm.” Sometimes you have to know when to quit and just hang a big mirror or bookshelf over the spot.
I do think there’s an art to knowing when to stop sanding. You can drive yourself nuts chasing perfection, but 99% of people won’t notice that tiny dip unless you point it out. And if they do, maybe they can come over and help next time...
Flat paint really is a lifesaver for hiding those little imperfections—totally agree there. Lighting too, especially if you can avoid anything super harsh or direct on the walls. I’ve seen people obsess over the tiniest flaws, but once the furniture’s in and art’s up, nobody’s staring at the wall joints.
Mesh tape is supposed to make things easier, but I’ve had it bubble or crack down the line more than once. Paper tape’s a bit fiddly, but at least it doesn’t seem to move around as much once it’s set. I’d rather deal with a little extra mudding than have to patch something that failed later.
Old plaster is its own beast. Sometimes you just have to embrace the quirks—there’s only so much you can do before you’re making things worse or chasing your tail. I’ve hidden more than one “character crack” behind a gallery wall and called it intentional.
Curious—has anyone actually tried those pre-mixed joint compounds that claim they’re “easy sanding”? I’m skeptical, but if they actually save time without sacrificing finish, I might give them a shot on my next project. Or is it just marketing hype?
Flat paint is such a game changer, especially if you’re not aiming for “museum wall” perfection. I’m with you on the mesh tape—tried it a couple times and ended up regretting it. Paper tape feels old school but just works better for me, even if it’s a bit more effort. As for those “easy sanding” pre-mixed compounds, I’ve used them on a few flips. They do sand easier, but they can shrink more and sometimes take longer to dry. Not a miracle fix, but not total hype either... just depends how picky you are about the finish.
Paper tape feels old school but just works better for me, even if it’s a bit more effort.
Totally get this. I used to think mesh tape was the “modern” way and would save me time, but after a couple of weird bubbles and cracks, I went crawling back to paper like it was an ex I never should’ve left. It’s a little more fiddly, but the joints just look cleaner in the end.
And yeah, those “easy sanding” compounds are a mixed bag. They’re great if you’re not in a rush and don’t mind a little extra shrinkage (which, let’s be honest, is never fun). I’ve learned to just accept that my walls will never be gallery-perfect. Flat paint hides a multitude of sins—plus, who’s coming over with a magnifying glass anyway?
If you can live with a few imperfections, you’re already winning. Drywall finishing is like making pancakes: the first one’s always a mess, but by the end you’ve got something you can live with.
