How to Repair Drywall Tape That Is Separating from Your Walls
Use a razor knife to neatly cut the tape just beyond the edges of the "bad area", and remove failed tape from wall., Clean dust and crumbs from damaged area to promote better adhesion. , Put a new piece of fiberglass mesh tape over the seam where...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Use a razor knife to neatly cut the tape just beyond the edges of the "bad area"
Paper tape can be used as well, but it is not self adhesive and mud must be applied to the wall first, pressing the paper tape into the mud.
Most 'beginners' find that the self-adhesive mesh tape is easier to use. , Be sure that compound selected is "sandable"
as some off the shelf repair compounds dry very hard (water putty etc). ,, If the mesh or paper tape begins to show, stop sanding.
It's time for the next coat. , On a wall with little to no texture, feather mud out wide of the repair area to minimize the visibility of the patch. , Some textures can be added with more mud and a putty knife, others need to be sprayed on.
For sprayed texture check your local home center or hardware store for a small can designed to match your texture (e.g. orange peel or knockdown textures). , A can of spray paint primer (Zinsser or Bulls Eye) or other primer can be used if you don't have PVA primer (sheet rock primer) -
Step 2: and remove failed tape from wall.
-
Step 3: Clean dust and crumbs from damaged area to promote better adhesion.
-
Step 4: Put a new piece of fiberglass mesh tape over the seam where the old tape was removed.
-
Step 5: Fill area where the tape was with a plentiful smooth layer of spackle or
-
Step 6: better yet
-
Step 7: pre-mixed drywall compound.
-
Step 8: Let dry.
-
Step 9: Sand smooth between every coat to remove any putty knife marks and high-spots.
-
Step 10: Spackle over the tape with another layer of drywall compound
-
Step 11: and make area smooth with surface of the wall.
-
Step 12: If your walls have a texture
-
Step 13: you will have to add the texture after the second (final) coat of compound has dried.
-
Step 14: Paint wall with color to match; be sure to use primer first on area or the patch will show through.
Detailed Guide
Paper tape can be used as well, but it is not self adhesive and mud must be applied to the wall first, pressing the paper tape into the mud.
Most 'beginners' find that the self-adhesive mesh tape is easier to use. , Be sure that compound selected is "sandable"
as some off the shelf repair compounds dry very hard (water putty etc). ,, If the mesh or paper tape begins to show, stop sanding.
It's time for the next coat. , On a wall with little to no texture, feather mud out wide of the repair area to minimize the visibility of the patch. , Some textures can be added with more mud and a putty knife, others need to be sprayed on.
For sprayed texture check your local home center or hardware store for a small can designed to match your texture (e.g. orange peel or knockdown textures). , A can of spray paint primer (Zinsser or Bulls Eye) or other primer can be used if you don't have PVA primer (sheet rock primer)
About the Author
George Jones
Experienced content creator specializing in creative arts guides and tutorials.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: