I bought a bunch of all-purpose,lightweight joint compound and some fiberglass mesh tape to finish my drywalls. Now, I've only been able to find how to use the regular tape with finishing drywall. How the HECK do I finish the drywall w/ mesh tape?

Yes, I'm a complete newbie
Appreciate any help, thanks
Paul

Much less to it. That is part of the reason it is popular for DIY. Just stick it on the joints, folding it into the corners. You then push the compound through the mesh to fill the crack behind it. May want to use a little thinner compound, add water, and go over it a couple of times to make sure all the cavities behind it are full. Those skilled in the art can leave a smooth surface on the last pass leaving little or no sanding. A wet sponge may be better than sand paper.

Thanks a lot! Appreciate the help

I've never thought of myself as great at finishing drywall... was OK, but not great.

The last time I did it it worked out perfectly because

1) used thin compound and did thinner layers
2) used sanding sponge

Didn't wet the sponge, but I thought the finish it left was perfect. Basically don't expect to get it all done in a day necessarily if you're new to it. Thin coats, sanding with sponge in between, over two days gave me the best results.

I'm sure those who know what they're doing can give more tips

I avoid taping and mudding drywall like the plague but from watching people who do it it seems they usually do 3 coats on the seams and use a wider blade each time. And I think I heard someone say not to fool with the first coat too much trying to get it perfect.