How to Renovate Drywall

Drywall is a modern improvement over old-fashioned plaster walls, because the flat, wide drywall sheets create a more consistent wall surface. However, the seams between the drywall sheets still have to be plastered to meld them together. That's where some drywall walls run into trouble, if the seams aren't done smoothly enough. Renovating those bad seams is a matter of pulling of the old plaster and tape and re-doing it.

Wide drywall knife
Drywall tape (self-adhesive)
Joint compound (plaster)
Drywall sanding pad

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape away enough of the existing plaster over the seam to get at the tape, using your drywall knife.
- 2
  Pull the tape off the wall, slowly, so it doesn't tear and takes the rest of the plaster with it. Go back over the line with your knife and scrape off any residual plaster, so the seam between the boards is completely exposed.
- 3
  Set drywall tape over the seam, from end to end.
- 4
  Use your drywall knife to lay a line of joint compound over the drywall tape. The line should be about 4 inches wide (wide enough to cover the tape) and flat and smooth.
- 5
  Let the compound dry for six or eight hours. Scrape off any bumps or ridges from the surface with your drywall knife.
- 6
  Spread on a second layer of joint compound over seam. Make the compound line about 6 inches wide, keeping it very smooth. Let it dry for six or eight hours.
- 7
  Scrape the compound again with your drywall knife. Add the third drywall coat, making it about 8 inches wide. Let it set for 12 hours.
- 8
  Sand the seam smooth with your sanding pad. The wall is now ready for re-painting.

The Best Texture to Cover Drywall Imperfections

DIY Stucco Repair Around Windows

Wall Repairs