Repairing Painted Drywall Tape: A Quick Fix Guide

Drywall taping can be a tricky process, and it's easy for mistakes to be made. If you've already painted your wall and can see the drywall tape showing through, don't panic—it's a common issue that can be fixed. The same goes for peeling drywall tape, which can cause seams and cracks in your wall, letting in moisture and leading to mould. There are several methods you can try to fix these issues, from skim-coating the entire wall to patching over old tape or removing and replacing it. You may also need to sand down the area and apply a primer before repainting.

How to fix bad drywall tape that's been painted

Sand the wall to remove excess paint or compound

Sanding is a crucial step in repairing a bad drywall taping job. While it may seem intimidating, it is a relatively straightforward process that can greatly improve the final appearance of your wall. Here is a detailed guide to help you sand your wall effectively to remove excess paint or compound.

Before you begin sanding, it is important to prepare the wall. Ensure that the compound or paint you applied is completely dry. Check the packaging for specific drying times, and always allow the compound or paint to dry for the recommended duration. If you try to sand too early, you may end up with a lumpy or misshapen surface. Once the wall is dry, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any dust or debris. This step will help create a cleaner surface for sanding.

When sanding, use a back-and-forth or circular motion. Start with a light touch and gradually increase pressure as needed. Focus on removing any excess paint or compound, especially in areas where there may be ridges or clumps. Use a sanding block or a drywall sanding screen with very fine sandpaper, such as 150-grit, 120-grit, or 220-grit. You can also use a wire brush to scratch and roughen the area, creating a better surface for the next coat. Remember, the goal is not to sculpt the wall with sanding but to gently remove imperfections.

As you sand, periodically check your progress by feeling the wall with your hand. Sand until the repaired area is flushed with the rest of the wall, ensuring a smooth and uniform surface. If you notice any low points or indentations, apply another thin layer of joint compound and allow it to dry before sanding again. Repeat this process until the wall is even and smooth.

After sanding, it is important to clean up the area. Use a vacuum or a dry cloth to remove the dust generated during the sanding process. You may also want to wear a dust mask and safety glasses to protect yourself from the fine powder created by sanding. Once the area is cleaned, you can move on to the next steps of repairing your drywall tape, such as applying primer or paint.

By following these steps and taking your time, you can effectively sand your wall to remove excess paint or compound. Remember that sanding is a crucial step in achieving a smooth and professional finish on your drywall repair project.

Apply a coat of primer to the wall

If you are applying primer to the wall after sanding, it is important to first clean the area using a vacuum or a dry cloth to remove any dust. You can then apply a coat of primer over the entire wall.

If you are using a flat paint, have a bigger patch, or used slow-drying joint compound, it is recommended to prime the section first. You can use a paintbrush or roller to apply the primer. Make sure to use setting type 90, lightweight joint compound, in small batches, to smooth out any imperfections. Do not sand between coats, but if you do, use a well-wrung sponge to remove excess dust before applying another coat of primer.

If you are using a primer to cover drywall tape, you will need to paint over the tape with two thin coats of primer until the tape is hidden. Once the primer is dry, you can paint over it with your wall's original paint colour.

If you are priming before painting, you can use a good-quality primer-sealer or a flat latex paint before applying the finish coat of paint. This will help to prevent any seams or strips of taped fasteners from showing through.

Smooth out imperfections with a joint compound

If you are looking to fix bad drywall tape that has been painted, one of the steps you can take is to smooth out imperfections with a joint compound.

Before applying the joint compound, ensure that the wall is clean and free of any dust or debris. You can use a vacuum or a dry cloth to remove any dust. If there is any paint or drywall chunks, use a putty knife to scrape and remove them.

Now, you can start working with the joint compound. You can purchase a pre-mixed joint compound or hand-mix the compound with water. If you are hand-mixing, pour the compound into a container and gradually add small amounts of water, mixing until you achieve a thin, pancake batter-like consistency.

Next, use a putty knife that is at least 6 inches (15 cm) wide to scoop out the compound and apply it directly over the drywall tape. Spread a thin layer of the compound, creating a light coating.

After applying the joint compound, you may need to sand the area to smooth out any remaining imperfections and ensure a uniform surface. Sanding can be done with sandpaper or a scouring sponge. If you use sandpaper, sand in a back-and-forth motion until the dried compound is flush with the rest of the wall. If you opt for a scouring sponge, dip it in warm water, squeeze out the excess, and use the scouring side to smooth out the joint compound.

Finally, once the joint compound is smooth and dry, you can paint over it with the same paint colour that was previously used on the wall.

Use a putty knife to spread a thin layer of compound over the tape

If you are repairing drywall tape that is separating from your walls, you should first reinforce the tape by patching over the old tape. Before applying the joint compound to the wall, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any dust or debris.

To apply the joint compound, use a putty knife that is at least 6 inches (15 cm) wide. Start by adding water to thin out some joint compound—mix it until it is thin but not runny. Aim for a consistency similar to pancake batter. Then, use the putty knife to scoop out the compound and spread it directly over the drywall tape in a thin layer.

If you are repairing drywall tape that has already been painted, you will first need to sand the surface. Use 150-grit sandpaper and then paint the surface with a good-quality flat latex paint before recoating with the finish paint.

Paint over the tape with two thin coats of primer

Painting over drywall tape can be a tricky process, and it's important to take your time and work carefully to ensure a smooth and consistent finish. One key step in this process is applying primer to the wall. Primer not only helps to cover up any imperfections in the drywall tape but also creates a smooth base for your paint to adhere to.

To start, you'll want to thin out some joint compound. Choose a ready-mixed compound and add a small amount of water to it, mixing until you achieve a thin, pancake batter-like consistency. This thin coat will help create an even finish over the drywall tape.

Next, use a putty knife to spread a thin layer of the thinned joint compound over the tape. This step will help to ensure that the tape is properly coated and hidden. Allow this layer to dry completely.

Now, you're ready to apply the primer. Using a paintbrush or roller, paint over the tape and joint compound with a thin coat of primer. Make sure to use a primer that is suitable for your wall and paint type. Allow this first coat of primer to dry completely.

Once the first coat is dry, inspect the wall for any visible tape or imperfections. If necessary, apply a second thin coat of primer, ensuring that you fully cover any remaining tape. Again, allow this second coat to dry completely.

By following these steps and taking your time, you can effectively hide drywall tape that is showing through your paint. Just remember to work carefully and inspect your work at each step to ensure a smooth and consistent finish.

Frequently asked questions