dean wrote:
Thanks all - the replies are all great! I appreciate them all.

I want to ask though: when you say "Tape and mud", doesn't the tape
stick out by its thickness, thereby preventing you from getting a nice
flat join?

Dean

That's why I use plaster of paris instead of "mud" for the bulk of the
patch -- it's a lot stronger than mud and it doesn't shrink, so no tape
is necessary. Use mud for the final skim coat so you can sand it easier.

Best regards,
Bob