I'm tackling a DIY project at home and the seams between drywall panels are driving me nuts. Tried sanding, mudding, sanding again...still not getting that smooth finish I'm after. Any tricks or tools you've found helpful?
Been there myself—drywall seams can really test your patience. From what you're describing, it sounds like maybe you're sanding down too aggressively between coats, which can actually create low spots and imperfections.
Here's a method that's always worked well for me:
First, apply a thin coat of joint compound using a wide drywall knife (at least 10-12 inches). Feather the edges out gradually to blend into the drywall surface. Don't aim for perfection yet—just get it reasonably smooth and let it dry completely.
Next comes the key step: instead of sanding right away, use a damp drywall sponge to gently smooth out any ridges or bumps. This helps avoid creating grooves or uneven spots. Rinse the sponge frequently and wring it out well—you want it damp, not dripping wet.
Once that's dry, apply another thin coat if necessary, feathering even further out from the seam. Let it dry thoroughly again, then lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit). The trick is to use gentle, circular motions rather than heavy back-and-forth sanding.
With a bit of patience and this method, you should see a noticeable improvement. Good luck—you've got this!
