Do you have to use tape to finish the drywall?
The seams would become visible again after the compound dried if you didn't use the drywall tape.
The tape needs to be embedded in the joint compound.The joint compound is the glue that holds the tape in place.There is more to hand-taping beveled drywall seams than hitting a bunch of mud on the wall and running tape.
Put about an inch of joint compound on a 6-inch knife and fill the trough.Put paper drywall tape on the compound and push it into the trough to hold it in place.Put the knife in the compound by pulling it along the tape.
The paper tape is stronger than the mesh tape.It's better to use paper tape to prevent cracking.Paper tape is easy to apply to corners because it folds easily.
There are inside corners that meet the ceiling.To avoid a triple-thick build up of tape, cut the tape short.
The purpose of the tape is to make the seams invisible.The mechanical strength of the tape is not up to par.The seams would become visible again after the compound dried if you didn't use the drywall tape.
You can usually fill gaps less than 1/2 inch wide with joint compound, but the compound cracks when used to fill wider gaps.If the gaps are especially wide, the solution is to use patching compound or strips of drywall.
You have to recoat the joints and remove and replace the tape if you want to hide them.
The tape should be in a bucket of water.It's a good idea totting the tape before you put it in the joint compound.Run each piece of tape through a bucket of water before applying it to the wall.