How to Fix the Drywall After the Tub Surround Is in Place

Measure the length and width of each of the three walls above the tub surround panels. Write down the measurements individually, since in many cases you will use a separate piece of drywall for each wall.

Place a piece of waterproof drywall on a flat work surface and use a tape measure and a pencil to draw the length and width of one of the walls on it. Use a straightedge to connect the lines so they form cut lines all the way across the drywall.

Place a sharp utility knife on top of the pencil line and press down firmly while pulling it across the line. Repeat the process two to three more times. Grasp the edge of the drywall and break it off along the score line.

Cut the the two other pieces of drywall to fit the remaining walls in the same manner.

Place the first piece of drywall in the proper location above one of the panels. Insert 1 1/2-inch-long galvanized nails into it in the locations of the underlying wall studs. Space each nail approximately 8 to 12 inches apart. Nail up the other piece of drywall in the same manner.

Measure the length of each corner where the walls meet and cut a piece of plastic corner bead to the same length using a hacksaw. Insert corner bead into each corner and nail it to the underlying studs every 6 inches.

Open a tub of pre-mixed joint compound and apply a 1/4-inch layer to all seams of the drywall. Place a piece of 6-inch-wide fiberglass drywall tape over the seam. Finish by covering the tape completely with additional joint compound. Apply more compound to each corner bead so it is no longer visible. Let the joint compound dry.

Put on a dust mask and safety glasses. Sand the compound down using a fine-grit sandpaper until it is smooth.

Paint the drywall any desired color with a semi-gloss paint and a paint roller.