To achieve a smooth finish, all screw and nail heads must be covered with mud and seams taped over. Joint Compound or Vinyl Spackling is known as mud. We prefer to use the Vinyl Spackling because of its quick drying time of about one hour or more depending on the thickness of application. Conventional joint compound has a drying time of 8 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of application. Work from a mud tray to keep any dried pieces and bits of debris out of the can.
Cleanliness is very important.
Keep the lid on the mud bucket air tight when you are not using it to keep it from drying out. Compound can be purchased in 1 or 5 gallon buckets. Unless you are doing a very small job, the 5 gallon bucket is a much better buy. While using, scrape the inside wall of the container often to keep residue from hardening and dropping pieces into the compound. Drywall Tape is available in paper tape which is pre-creased and can be used on straight seams as well as corner taping.