How to Repair Ceiling Tape Joints

Ceiling drywall is installed in sheets, with the seams covered in drywall tape and then covered in joint compound, a form of plaster. If the tape wasn't installed properly, or if structural movement has caused it to split or bulge, it should be replaced. Re-taping a seam is essentially the same process as the initial taping of it, once you get the old tape and plaster off.

Stepladder
6-inch drywall knife
Razor knife
Mesh adhesive drywall tape
10-inch drywall knife
Joint compound
Drywall sanding pad

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape the damaged drywall tape off the seam with a 6-inch drywall knife, pulling up the plaster that's over it as well. Get the seam between the two sheets of drywall completely exposed.
- 2
  Press mesh drywall tape along the seam, covering it completely. Press it firmly to the surface. Cut it with a razor knife at the end to fit.
- 3
  Cover the whole seam with joint compound, from end to end, using your 6-inch drywall knife. Smooth and flatten the compound so it completely covers the tape.
- 4
  Allow the compound sit for six hours. Scrape it with your drywall knife to knock off any ridges or high spots.
- 5
  Spread on a second layer of compound, this time using a 10-inch drywall knife and making the seam of compound about 1 inch wider on either side. Get it smooth. Let it dry.
- 6
  Scrape over the second to knock off any ridges or high points. Apply a third layer, making it wider still. Smooth it out and let it set.
- 7
  Sand the final layer smooth with a drywall sanding pad. It's now ready for painting.

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