How to Fix a Ceiling Where the Taping Lines in the Sheetrock Show

Loose or Bubbled Tape

• 1

  Cut across the taped line where it begins to bubble or lift the ceiling. Use a utility knife.

• 2

  Cut across the tape at the end of the lifted area, and then peel off the tape between the cuts you made.

• 3

  Scrape off ridges from paint and old joint compound with a 3-inch putty knife.

• 4

  Center and press self-adhesive, mesh drywall seam tape along the seam between the Sheetrock panels. Centering the tape's width over the seam bridges the gap evenly. Cut off the tape at the end of the seam with the utility knife.

• 5

  Spread a thin layer of drywall joint compound along the seam, covering the mesh tape. Apply the joint compound with a drywall seam taping knife. Scrape off excess compound with the edge of the seam taping knife, leaving as few ridges as possible. Let the joint compound dry.

• 6

  Apply another layer of joint compound, smoothing out ridges as you work. Let the material dry.

• 7

  Apply at least one more layer of joint compound over the repair. Spread the compound onto the Sheetrock panels along each side of the seam. Feather or blend the compound to remove lines and ridges. Let the compound dry 24 hours, or until it no longer feels damp and cold to your fingertips.

• 8

  Wipe the repair with a sponge dampened with water, smoothing out surface imperfections. Alternatively, fix a sheet of drywall sanding screen to a drywall sanding paddle and extension pole, and then lightly sand the ceiling to blend the repair with the ceiling.

Ridges and Depressions

• 9

  Scrape off old joint compound ridges with a 3-inch putty knife, using care not to disturb the tape.

• 10

  Spread a thin layer of joint compound along the seam with a drywall seam taping knife. Scrape off excess compound with the leading edge of the knife, flattening the repair as much as possible. Let the joint compound dry.

• 11

  Apply as many thin layers of joint compound as needed to fill tape and screw depressions, letting each layer dry before applying the next layer.

• 12

  Wipe the repair with a damp sponge, or sand it with drywall sanding screen using a drywall sanding paddle and extension pole.