How to Hide Bad Drywall

Apply drywall joint compound to areas that have been sanded too much, allowing the drywall's paper face to show through the mud. Use a drywall taping knife.

Allow the joint compound 24 hours to dry. Put on eye protection, such as goggles, and a dust mask. Sand the spot with 150-grit sandpaper and using light, easy touches. Sand the ceiling and high spots on the wall with a pole sander.

Cut off portions of tape that have bubbled due to not being properly embedded in the drywall mud. Use a utility knife.

Place joint compound onto the spot where you removed the bubbled tape, using a 4-inch drywall taping knife. Be sure to cover the entire surface where the new tape will go.

Cut a new piece of drywall tape, using a utility knife. Run the tape through a bucket of water, wetting both sides of the tape, and shake off any excess water. Press the tape into position in the joint compound.

Place your hand on one end of the tape to keep it stationary. Run the 4-inch taping knife along the length of the tape to smooth it out, remove excess compound and make sure there are no air bubbles in it. Allow the joint compound 24 hours to dry.

Apply a second coat of joint compound over the tape, using a 6-inch taping knife. Feather the compound out smoothly, about 4 inches beyond the tape edges. Allow the compound to dry for 24 hours.

Apply a third coat of joint compound, using a 10-inch finishing knife. Feather the compound out around all sides of the tape about 6 inches. Allow the third coat 24 hours to completely dry.

Put on eye protection and a dust mask. Sand the hardened spot with 150-grit sandpaper, using light strokes to obtain a smooth drywall surface.

Drive one drywall nail on either side of a popped nail, using a hammer. Drive the popped nail just below the surface, without breaking the paper surface, using the hammer.

Cover the nails and the dimpled areas around the nails with a layer of joint compound, using a taping knife. Allow the compound 24 hours to dry.

Apply a second coat of joint compound, using the taping knife. Allow it 24 hours to dry.

Put on eye protection and a dust mask. Sand the spot lightly with 150-grit sandpaper to make it smooth.

Apply texture to the entire wall or ceiling. Choose from an extensive list of different types of possible textures, such as popcorn or orange peel, to hide bad drywall jobs that are extensive.