How to Troubleshoot Drywall

Fix Peeling Tape

• 1

  Remove the tape that is peeling from the wall. Pull the tape off to a point that is 1 foot beyond the section that is actually peeling, to be sure that you remove all of the loose tape. Don't attempt to fix peeling tape by squeezing joint compound underneath it; this won't work.

• 2

  Spread a coat of joint compound over the area where you removed the tape. Apply a new piece of tape over the joint, pushing it into the coat of compound with a flat, clean drywall knife. Spread another coat of joint compound over the top of the tape, being careful to embed the tape completely within the compound. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

• 3

  Sand the joint compound with fine sandpaper, feathering it off at the edges so you don't leave any ridges. If there are any rough spots remaining, apply another coat of compound. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

• 4

  Sand the entire area until it is smooth and no ridges or uneven areas are visible. Paint over all exposed joint compound with primer, then finish with paint to match the existing wall.

Fix Visible Joints

• 5

  Remove the joint compound and tape from the entire joint if there is a ridge or line showing where the joint is located. Stick a drywall knife sideways into the joint and pull up on it to expose an edge of drywall tape, and then pull on the tape. This will break the joint compound loose and make a mess, so have a drop cloth on the floor.

• 6

  Clear away all the existing joint compound and tape by getting the edge of your drywall knife under the edge of the compound and chipping it off.

• 7

  Apply a coat of joint compound to the entire joint. Embed a piece of drywall tape into the compound and smooth it flat with a drywall knife. Apply another coat of compound over the tape. If the problem with the joint was caused because the two pieces of drywall are uneven, you will need to apply several coats of joint compound to even out the difference. Don't try to apply one extremely thick coat of compound; it will crack. Be patient, and keep applying thin coats until you have evened out the difference between the two sheets.

• 8

  Sand the entire area until it is smooth. Apply primer over all exposed joint compound, then finish with paint to match the wall.

Fix Popped Fasteners

• 9

  Pull out any drywall nails that have popped and revealed their heads. A lot of older drywall was applied with nails, but screws are better and less likely to pop. Replace the popped nails with screws.

• 10

  Drive 1-1/4-inch drywall screws through the drywall and into the wall stud, being careful to drive the screw in far enough that its head is below the plane of the wall, but not so far that it tears the paper covering on the drywall. Don't put the screw through the same hole where the nail was located.

• 11

  Cover the screw and the old nail hole with joint compound, and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

• 12

  Sand the joint compound smooth. If there are any dips, dimples or unevenness, apply another coat of compound and allow it to dry.

• 13

  Sand the area smooth. Apply primer over any exposed joint compound, then finish with paint to match the wall.