How to Bridge the Gap Between the Wall & the Ceiling

Quck answer

To fill a gap between the wall and the ceiling, follow these steps:

1. Clean the gap: Use a vacuum or brush to remove any dust or debris from the gap.

2. Apply caulk: Use a caulk gun to apply a line of caulk along the gap. Make sure to choose a caulk that matches the color of the wall or ceiling.

3. Smooth the caulk: Use a caulk smoothing tool or your finger to smooth the caulk and remove any excess. This will create a seamless finish.

4. Let it dry: Allow the caulk to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes around 24 hours.

5. Paint if necessary: If the wall or ceiling is painted, you may need to touch up the paint to match the rest of the surface.

By following these steps, you can easily fill the gap between the wall and the ceiling and create a neat and clean appearance.


When installing drywall, it is common to encounter walls and ceilings that are not perfectly aligned. This can result in a gap between the wall and ceiling. However, filling this gap is a simple process. All you need to do is patch it up with fiberglass mesh tape. You can then proceed with the usual joint taping techniques, using drywall joint compound (referred to as mud by professionals). This will create a seamless joint between the wall and ceiling, effectively hiding the gap.

Step 1

Place a drop cloth on the floor below the wall to catch any falling drywall or paint during the patching process.

Step 2

Take a strip of fiberglass mesh drywall tape and position it over the gap, making sure it aligns with the ceiling line. Trim the tape with a utility knife as necessary to fit the gap.

Step 3

Apply drywall joint compound onto the mesh tape using a putty knife. Press the compound firmly into the small holes of the tape, completely covering it. Extend the compound about two inches beyond the tape’s borders on both the wall and ceiling.

Step 4

Take a strip of paper tape and position it over the corner where the wall and ceiling meet. Use the putty knife to create a sharp edge by creasing the tape between the two surfaces. Use joint compound to secure the tape in place on both the wall and ceiling.

Step 5

Apply more joint compound over the tape. Use the putty knife to spread a thin, even layer of compound over the tape and about an inch onto the adjacent drywall. Feather the edges to create a smooth blend with the drywall. Allow the compound to dry, then repeat the process for a second layer. Wait for the second layer to dry completely.

Step 6

Use medium grit sandpaper to sand the dried joint compound until it is smooth. Switch to fine grit sandpaper and sand the edges where the compound meets the drywall to further blend them together. Wipe the area clean with a cloth to remove any sanding residue.

Step 7

Paint the patched area to match the surrounding drywall using a paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry completely, and apply a second coat if necessary to hide the tape and compound.

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