How to Fix a Bad Drywall Seam Finish Job

Bad drywall seams are common problems that you can easily fix with basic tools and supplies. As with any other construction project, the quality of the tools you use is important. Cheap tools will lead to time-wasting hassles and poor results. Ask the staff at your local home-repair center to help you choose the right tools for your project. Since drywall tools and supplies are relatively inexpensive, feel free to test out any products that seem helpful. But avoid all-in-one wall-repair solutions---they nearly always end up causing more problems than they fix.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Utility knife
• Joint compound
• 6-inch and 12-inch drywall knives
• 150-grit sandpaper
• Drywall primer

1. Cut out all the bad tapes using a utility knife. If the tape is bubbling or wrinkled, cut a circle around the bad area and pry it out. If the tape is cracked, gouge out the crack using your utility knife. Remove all loose bits of dried paint and joint compound.

2. Fill the repair area with a thick coat of joint compound using your 6-inch knife. Since joint compound shrinks as it dries, you may need to repeat this step if there is a large gap or hole. Allow the joint compound to dry for at least 24 hours between coats.

3. Lay a fresh coat of joint compound over the repair area.

4. Cut a piece of paper drywall tape and lay it over the joint compound. Make sure there are no bare spots under the tape.

5. Use your 6-inch knife to embed the tape over the repair area. Wipe the area until it is smooth, and then let it dry.

6. Cover the repair area with a thick coat of joint compound. If necessary, use a 12-inch drywall knife. Wipe the area until smooth, then let it dry. Repeat this coating process until the tape is hidden.

7. Use 150-grit sandpaper to smooth the area. Avoid leaving tool marks or ridges that could show through paint.

8. Prime the area using a good drywall primer before painting.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy inexpensive plastic drop cloths to cover your furniture and decorations. Joint compound is messy, and the dust it creates will travel farther than you expect.
• Shut windows and doors, and turn off fans and central-air systems while you sand. This way the dust will fall straight down onto your drop cloths.
• If your repair is small, you can use quick-setting joint compound to cut down on drying time.

References

• Fixing drywall tapes
• Novice's guide to drywalling