Mesh tape’s been a lifesaver for me too, especially in this 1940s place where nothing is square and the studs seem to have their own agenda. I tried paper tape for a while—figured it was more “traditional”—but like you said, one little dip or bow and suddenly there’s a hairline crack staring at me every time the light hits just right. Mesh seems to flex with the wall a bit more, which is nice when you’re dealing with old plaster that’s seen better days.
I’ve started using joint compound with recycled content, mostly because I’m trying to keep things as low-impact as possible. It’s not wildly different from the regular stuff, but it does seem to sand down smoother, at least in my experience. Still makes a mess though... I swear, no matter how careful I am, there’s always dust in places I didn’t even know existed.
Corners are my nemesis. I’ve tried those pre-formed metal corner beads—mixed results. Sometimes they help hide the worst of the wonkiness, sometimes they just highlight how far off everything is. Anyone ever try those flexible paper-faced beads? I’ve heard they’re good for odd angles but haven’t worked up the nerve (or patience) yet.
Curious if anyone’s found a decent eco-friendly primer that actually hides all the patchwork without needing five coats? I’ve had mixed luck with some of the “green” brands—either they smell weird or don’t cover much. Would love to hear if someone’s cracked that code.
Corners are where drywallers go to question their life choices, I swear. Those flexible paper-faced beads are actually a game-changer for weird angles—takes a bit of patience (and a steady hand), but they blend in way better than metal, especially in these old houses where nothing’s at 90 degrees. As for eco-friendly primers, I’ve tried a couple—Benjamin Moore’s Natura was decent, but coverage still wasn’t perfect. If you ever find one that hides patches in less than three coats, let me know... I’ll buy stock in the company.
Yeah, corners are brutal—old houses especially. Those paper-faced beads save my sanity, but I still end up sanding more than I want. On primers, Natura’s okay, but I’ve had slightly better luck with ECOS. Still not miracle coverage... maybe someday.
Those paper-faced beads save my sanity, but I still end up sanding more than I want.
Yeah, those beads are a lifesaver until you hit that one spot that just won’t feather out. I’ve tried ECOS too—coverage is decent, but I still find myself doing two coats more often than not. Honestly, I’ve started using a damp sponge for sanding corners. Less dust, less cursing. Still not perfect, but my lungs thank me.
I hear you on the sanding—sometimes it feels like no matter how careful I am with the mud, there’s always that one stubborn ridge. I’ve actually started using lightweight setting compound for the final coat, and it’s made a difference. It feathers out smoother and sands easier, so I’m not stuck in dust hell for hours. The damp sponge trick is gold for corners, though. My only gripe is it can leave things a bit too soft if I’m not careful, but hey, better than hacking up drywall dust for days.
