Is the excess mud making my drywall look uneven, or did I miss sanding it properly?
Asked by Hudson Taylor 
5 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
I just wrapped up the drywall project and noticed that I was mudding the flat joints the same way you would do butt joints. Do you think I went overboard with the mud or didn’t sand enough?
Hold a straightedge against the wall to check for any ‘humps’.
Try placing your largest trowel knife edge against it to check for any rocking back and forth… if it does, there might be too much mud. It might look fine with a flat finish, but imperfections could become more noticeable with a satin or semi-gloss since this is a kitchen area. Additionally, most of it will be covered by cabinets and a backsplash.
Looks even better than what most professionals do. Your best move would be to apply a primer coat first so that any flaws become more visible. Please avoid using paint and primer combined in one product. Start with primer and then apply the finishing coat.
Run your hand over the surface; if you don’t feel any bumps or dips, you’re good to go. ‘t stress too much over drywall imperfections. Take a closer look at the finished areas of your home sometime for comparison. You might be surprised at what you find unless you opted for a level 5 finish.
I totally get where Jon ehring is coming from. I work as a professional carpenter, and when I was doing my own drywall finishing at home, I was striving for perfection. But then I started to notice the finish work in the houses I was working on, especially the remodels, and realized that the standard isn’t as high as I had thought. 😅
It’s a shame the standard isn’t flat and smooth anymore. Luckily, I work in an area where finish hard plaster is still considered the norm. I always advise my customers to make sure their contracts specify smooth, straight, and flat surfaces – it leads to a better outcome.
Well done!
Not too shabby
In a dimly lit room, shine a bright light across the wall. Any uneven surfaces will become more noticeable.
If you don’t have much experience or just a little experience, I would say you’re doing better than a lot of people I see on social media trying to teach. Honestly, follow the advice of others, use a drywall knife or run your hand across, and make corrections as needed. What kind of texture are you aiming for?