51.   It is best to apply fiberglass tape in a bed of joint compound over the crack.

52.   It dries faster, with less shrinkage, than joint compound but is harder to sand.

53.   Joint compound alone never works.

54.   Lay the joint compound in thin layers to prevent cracking when it dries.

55.   Next apply a generous coat of joint compound.

56.   Once the base coat is on the wall, however, you can use ready-mix joint compound for the second and third layers.

57.   Or, sand off the points and fill in the valleys with joint compound.

58.   Repair the damaged area by filling any gaps or cracks with joint compound.

59.   Should a paper or nylon mesh tape be imbedded up there with joint compound, and more compound used to finish it off?

60.   Skim- coating is the technique of applying thin layers of gypsum-based joint compound over the entire surface.