Gather drywall tape, joint compound, taping knives, mud pan, sanding sponge, utility knife, and dust mask
Cut and fit drywall sheets securely
Fill gaps and fasten screws slightly below the surface
Apply a thin layer of joint compound over seams and screw holes
Embed drywall tape into the wet compound
Press the tape flat and remove excess mud
Cover the tape with a thin second coat of compound
Let the first coat dry completely
Apply a wider third coat to feather the edges
Cover screw heads and corners with compound
Let each coat dry fully before sanding
Sand lightly between coats with fine-grit sanding sponge
Apply additional coats if needed to smooth seams
Sand the final coat until the surface is even
Wipe away dust before priming and painting