Serious question, has anyone else tried using a 14-inch taping knife for the final coat?

I tried it on a ceiling patch in a Denver remodel last month thinking it would give a smoother finish, but it actually left more ridges than my 12-inch. I learned the extra length can flex more if you're not absolutely perfect with your pressure. What's your go-to knife size for that last skim coat?

3 comments

3 Comments

jason1122mo ago

Disagree completely, I get way better results with a 14-inch. You have to load it right and keep a steady angle, but it bridges imperfections better than a smaller knife. That flex you mentioned is actually what helps it feather out the edges so cleanly. My 12-inch now only comes out for tight corners.

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stella3072mo ago

Watched my buddy try to feather out a patch on his ceiling with a 6-inch knife, total mess. He finally listened to me and grabbed a 14-inch like @jason112 talks about. The flex on that long blade just laid the mud down smooth over the bumpy old texture, no ridges. He was shocked how it just floated over the bad spots. Now he won't touch the small knives for big areas.

wren_rodriguez1mo ago

Not sure this is "serious" enough to debate like it's a life or death thing but okay... I borrowed a 14-inch from a buddy once and the flex was just too unpredictable for me. Ended up with more touch-up work than if I'd just stuck with my 10-inch and took an extra pass.

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