Okay, let's break down using a drywall corner trowel like we're chatting over a cup of coffee-no fancy jargon, just real steps. First off, you gotta prep your space: make sure your drywall corners are clean (no dust, no loose paper) and that you've got your joint compound mixed to the right consistency-like creamy peanut butter, not too runny, not too thick.
Now, grab your corner trowel (most are V-shaped for inside corners, but we'll stick to that first). Take a small amount of compound on the trowel-don't overload it, or you'll end up with drips everywhere. Hold the trowel so the two sides of the V fit snugly against the inside corner of the drywall, at about a 45-degree angle to each wall.
Now, start at the top of the corner and pull the trowel down slowly and steadily-keep even pressure so the compound spreads evenly into the corner. If you see gaps, go back with a little more compound and smooth them out-no rush, slow and steady wins the smooth corner race.
For outside corners (those sharp edges where walls stick out), you'll use a slightly different trowel-usually with a flat edge along the top to follow the corner bead. Same idea: load a little compound, hold the trowel so it hugs the corner bead, and pull it along to cover the bead and seal the edges.
Pro tip: Wipe off excess compound from the trowel as you go-clean tools mean clean work. And don't worry if your first pass isn't perfect! Drywall work is all about layers. Let the first coat dry, then sand it lightly (with fine-grit sandpaper-don't go crazy!), then do a second coat with the trowel to smooth everything out. Before you know it, you'll have corners so smooth they look like they came straight from a home magazine.
corner trowel from hanke tools
