Tried a weird trick for a curved ceiling and it actually worked

Got stuck on a kitchen remodel in Phoenix with a 12-foot curved soffit. My normal mud and tape method kept cracking after a day. Out of ideas, I soaked the paper tape in warm water for about 30 seconds before applying it. Let it dry overnight, then did two thin coats. Zero cracks after a week. Has anyone else tried wetting tape for a tight radius like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

ericschmidt1d ago

That's a solid hack. Sometimes the simplest moisture tweak is what a stubborn material actually needs.

the_uma1d ago

Interesting! That extra soak probably lets the paper fibers stretch a bit more without tearing. Makes total sense for a tight curve where dry tape would just fight you. Good find.