Drywall Tape Repair: How to Repair Bubbled Tape

Drywall tape repair can sometimes be the most frustrating part of hanging drywall. You will find that there are several things that can cause this and several ways that you can fix it. It is important that you know the right ways to fix it and the best ways to keep it from happening again. Drywall tape repair can be something that is very simple to fix if taken care of properly.

Step 1 – Remove Bubbles

If the bubbles in the drywall are small then you will simply need to get your utility knife and make a small cut in the bubble. Press all of the air out and apply mud to both sides of the tape. Smooth it out. If the bubble is bigger, you will need to completely remove the tape and re-mud the area. Waste no time in applying the new tape. Try to use a bit of water to moisten the tape before applying.

Step 2 – Second Coat

Once the first coat of mud has dried, apply a second coat. This coat goes over tape. Start at top with the putty knife. Apply pressure to the sides of the tape as opposed to on tape. Mud should be spread on both sides to the center up to three inches. Apply extra mud on dimples made by nails or screws. Second coat should be applied to corners of wall using corner knife.

Step 3 – Joint Compound

In order to apply joint compound you will need to apply it to a finished drywall joint with a joint knife. Make the layer about an eighth of an inch thick. A strip of joint tape should then be applied to the area. Squeeze out air bubbles by pressing down on the tape firmly. Allow twenty four hours for it to dry and sand the areas that are sticking out. Cut off any tape that has bubbles. Apply a thin coat, six inches wide, to the taped area and allow it to dry. Sand once more until the area is flat.

Step 4 – Sand and Finish

Once all the mud has dried, you are ready to begin sanding. Make sure to put on a mask and safety goggles during sanding as it will create a fine dust. You will not need to add much pressure while sanding, especially around the screws and seams. Make sure that you sand every area that has compound on it. Try to sand in good lighting so that you can see any problem areas. Finishing drywall requires a drywall patching compound. You will need up to three coats. On outside corners you will need to screw in the metal corners. Apply putty across taped joints. Putty will need twenty four hours to dry. Before applying a new layer of putty, the previous layer must first dry. Once putty is applied and dried, sand area and apply primer.