My uncle told me to never use a 6-inch knife for taping, and I finally learned why

For my first few years, I only used a 6-inch knife for taping because it felt easier to control. My uncle, who's been hanging board for thirty years, kept telling me to switch to a 10-inch for the second coat. I brushed it off, thinking it was just his old-school way. Then I took a job finishing a big living room ceiling in Tacoma. After the first coat with my 6-inch, I had ridges and lines everywhere. I spent three extra hours sanding, making a huge mess. I finally grabbed a 10-inch knife like he said, and the difference was instant. The longer blade flattened everything out so much better, leaving way less to sand. I called him to admit he was right. Has anyone else had a tool tip from an old timer that you ignored, only to regret it later?

3 comments

3 Comments

paul2511mo ago

So what's the deal with the first coat then? Still okay with the 6-inch or do you switch knives for that too?

haydenbutler1mo ago

Yeah paul251, I used the same knife for both coats.

rileynelson1mo ago

Honestly @paul251, I'd just use the same knife for the whole job, it saves time and cleans up fine.