What Can You Do With Uneven Sheetrock on a Bathroom Wall?

Fixing the Original Tape

• Depending on how uneven the drywall panels are, you may need to add more tape to create a secure bond. Scrape off the existing joint compound with a drywall knife to reveal the tape. You will need a clean surface if you will be re-taping. If the tape is peeling off, remove it. Otherwise, add a new layer of self-adhesive tape and press it down firmly. This will create a better seal between the uneven panels.

Applying the First Layer of Joint Compound

• Slopping on joint compound is a common beginner's mistake. You can't fix an uneven panel of Sheetrock in one go, unless it is only slightly uneven. Each coat of joint compound should be only a 1/4-inch thick or it will not dry completely. This results in crumbling and messy looking compound. Scrape on the first layer and let it set until it is hard. This usually takes about four hours, but it may take longer if the humidity levels are high.

Building the Surface Up to Level

• Place a level over the panel and see how far off of level you are. Apply a new coat of compound and test it again. This process requires patience if you want the fix to last and look right. Once the level reads the wall as level, you can go to the next step. Make sure that the surface is smooth before using the level or you will throw off the reading. Sand down the compound until it is smooth and has no ridges.

When It's Best to Replace Sheetrock

• If the panels are incredibly uneven, and are off by more than an inch, removing the panel is the best option. You can only use so much joint compound before it just turns into a bigger mess than you had before. Pry off the uneven Sheetrock. If the wall framing boards are uneven, use shims to build them up until it is a level surface. If it was just poor installation and the wall frame is level, applying the Sheetrock correctly will solve the issue.