How to Repair Ceiling Tape

Unsightly bubbles and separation of drywall tape on the ceiling can be fixed with new tape and joint compound (mud), but if the bubbling is excessive, look in the attic. The roof may be leaking or you may have a leaking pipe somewhere. If you find a problem, correct it before repairing the tape. If there are no leaks, the tape may be separating because of moisture in the room, and you can address this problem by painting with water-resistant semi-gloss paint.

Utility knife
Drywall blade
Joint compound (mud)
Drywall tape
Sandpaper
Drywall primer
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Cut off separating or bubbling drywall tape with a sharp utility knife. Scrape off old, crumbling mud with a drywall blade, then cut the tape back to where it is still firmly attached to the drywall.
- 2
  Turn on a heater and close the windows to give the wallboard behind the tape time to dry if it is wet.
- 3
  Scrape over the damaged area again with the drywall blade to remove any last chunks of old mud, then spread a coat of new mud with the blade. Spread it liberally, working it into holes or cracks.
- 4
  Moisten a length of paper drywall tape and lay it over the mud, then scrape the blade over the tape to flatten it and squeeze out excess mud from behind it. Hold one end of the tape to hold it in place while you scrape in one direction, then scrape over the end you were holding. Let the mud dry overnight.
- 5
  Spread a second coat of mud, using the blade to flatten the edges of the mud into the wall. Let this coat dry overnight, then repeat with a third coat. At this point, the repair should be blended into the rest of the wall, but if it isn't, spread a fourth coat after the third has dried.
- 6
  Sand the repair lightly, then paint it, and any discolored areas surrounding it, with drywall primer and a paintbrush.

Wet Ceiling Repair

How to Repair a Lathe & Plaster Ceiling

Ceiling Repairs