How to Fix Peeling Wall Tape

Drywall tape is used to help mask and seal off joints between pieces of drywall. It can be located just about anywhere in the room, but corners are the most likely place where tape peeling problems will occur. Drywall tape can peel if it wasn't applied properly or if the wall has become saturated with water. It should be fixed as quickly as possible, or the wall could become structurally compromised as well as looking run-down.

Utility knife
Sandpaper
Drywall tape
Joint compound
Putty knife
Drop cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Protect the flooring. Bits and pieces of joint compound, tape and even drywall may fall during this job. Lay down a plastic drop cloth directly under where you will be working.
- 2
  Peel off the tape. Grab the peeling edge and peel the tape off. If part of it won't come, scrape it off the wall with a chisel or a putty knife. Clean up the area around the peel with sandpaper so you have a flat surface on which to apply the fix.
- 3
  Apply new tape. Tape back over the area. Use a self-adhesive drywall tape. This works faster and requires much less mud. Press the tape firmly over the area.
- 4
  Apply joint compound over the tape. Spread a thin layer of joint compound over your tape. Use your putty knife and scrape off any excess compound as you work. Let this set according to the package instructions.
- 5
  Sand down the patched area. Smooth out your patch with a fine-grade sandpaper so the surface is completely smooth. Prime and paint your patch to blend it with the rest of the wall.

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