How to Fix Drywall Mistakes
Everybody has drywall mistakes in their homes. Blisters, bubbles and cracks are the most common problems. To fix these mistakes, you will need to buy some inexpensive drywall-finishing supplies. Most retail hardware centers have a wide selection of tools for you to choose from. If this is a small one-time project, you may be able to get away with using cheap, plastic tools. But if you plan on doing a lot of work, invest in good-quality tools. They will last longer and give your work a professional appearance. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 6-inch drywall knife
- Utility knife
- Drywall joint compound
- Paper drywall tape
- Drywall screws
- Screwdriver
- 150-grit sandpaper
Instructions
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Mix joint compound for repairs according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use room-temperature water to thin the joint compound if you find it too difficult to spread. If you are short on time, consider using quick-setting joint compound, which dries much faster than pre-mixed joint compound.
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Gouge out drywall mistakes, such as blisters and bubbles, with a utility knife or other sharp instrument. Six-inch drywall knives also work well. Remove any material that is left loose or hanging. Coat the repairs with several coats of joint compound until the area is smooth.
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Repair cracks in drywall by embedding paper drywall tape in joint compound over the length of each crack. First, gouge out any loose material. Then cover the crack with a thick layer of joint compound. Finally, place the paper tape over the crack and wipe away the joint compound, leaving the paper tape smooth and flush with the rest of the surface. Allow your work to dry, then cover it with a light coat of joint compound so the tape will not show through paint.
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Repair nail pops, which are areas where drywall nails are poking through the drywall surface, by inserting drywall screws right next to them. This will re-attach the drywall board to the underlying studs. Cover your repair with several coats of joint compound.
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Sand all your repairs using 150-grit sandpaper before painting. If you have a large project, consider using a sanding pole or a powered drywall sander to save some time.
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Tips & Warnings
If you will be working on high ceilings, invest in a small platform or scaffold. Or you can rent one at most retail hardware centers.
Avoid buying quick-fix drywall repair products that offer one-step solutions. They are rarely effective.
