Press fairly hard to embed the tape and expell air and excess compound.

Put moderate pressure on the knife to embed the tape and expel air and excess compound.

Scrape away excess compound and return it to the pan.

Smooth the spot and remove excess compound by drawing the knife blade over the spot again, this time with the knife held nearly perpendicular to the surface.

Smooth the excess compound outward in as thin a layer as possible against the wall.

Remove any excess compound or tape.

Wipe up excess compound with a cloth dipped either in water or the solvent listed on the container.

Scrape the excess compound with a sharp stick, like a pointed dowel.

Tilt the handle away from the sash at a 45-degree angle, then draw the blade along the sash to slice away excess compound, leaving a smooth surface.