You're spot-on about taping first for wider gaps—it really does save headaches down the line. I've skipped tape before thinking the compound alone would hold, and ended up with hairline cracks a few months later...lesson learned the hard way. Interesting tip about the dish soap, though; haven't tried that yet, but I'll definitely give it a shot next time I'm cleaning up. Always good to pick up new tricks from others who've been through the drywall trenches.
Haha, drywall trenches...perfect way to put it. Been there myself—thought I was saving money skipping tape, ended up spending double fixing the cracks later. The dish soap trick is new to me too, but hey, if it makes cleanup less miserable, I'm all in. Drywalling is one of those DIY jobs that always looks easier on YouTube than it actually is in real life...hang in there, you're definitely not alone!
"Drywalling is one of those DIY jobs that always looks easier on YouTube than it actually is in real life..."
Haha, exactly this. I still remember confidently tackling my basement drywall after binge-watching tutorials—felt like a pro until reality hit. Ended up with joints looking more like mountain ranges than smooth walls. The dish soap trick is news to me too; wish I'd known earlier, might've saved me from scrubbing dried mud off everything I own. Hang tight, it gets better...eventually.
Haha, did you also end up with drywall dust in places you didn't even know existed? I swear I'm still finding it months later. Curious about the dish soap thing though...does it really help that much with smoothing? Might have to brave another attempt.
Haha, drywall dust is basically glitter for DIYers—it never truly leaves. About the dish soap trick, it actually does help quite a bit. Just add a tiny drop or two into your mud mix, and you'll notice it spreads smoother and reduces those annoying air bubbles. It's not magic, but it definitely makes sanding less of a nightmare. Give it another shot; your future self (and your vacuum) will thank you.