5 Tips for Fixing Drywall Tape That’s Recessed

Even the most seasoned drywallers have strikes on their record, no matter how perfect their original patchwork was. Issues with peeling drywall tape are a nightmare for contractors and homeowners because they allow moisture to seep into the cracks, which eventually leads to mold. Luckily, there’s a solution. Here are five tips for fixing drywall tape that’s recessed.

Wipe It Clean

You need to remove any dust or debris from the damaged area. Take a dry cloth (either a towel or fiber cloth) to wipe down the damaged area and the surrounding wall. Dust particles or debris getting mixed in with the new mud and tape could result in the same problem.

Rub it down lightly and let the chunks and other drywall chips hit the floor. This method doesn’t work for large-scale problems, but it keeps the problem from escalating. However, if the damaged tape is longer than one foot, a simple patch job won’t work. You may need to replace the entire section.

Prep the Mud

Next, start prepping the joint compound inside a drywall mud pan with a taping knife. We recommend using a fast-setting joint because it’s not a complete drywalling job. You don’t want this section to take too long to dry before moving on.

Plus, the fast-setting joint compound prevents moisture from getting trapped inside the walls. Mix the mud with water inside the pan with the taping knife. Get a consistent and smooth texture before applying the mud to the wall. Carefully monitor how much water you add to the pan.

Apply the Mud

Take the taping knife and apply the joint compound to the damaged area. Spread the mud over the peel and scrape it flat. The goal is to cover the hole about four to five inches in both directions of the tear. This will prevent the tape from tearing in the future.

Repeat this action at least three more times. The repetitive motion ensures you fully apply the compound into the gaps.

Let It Dry

After getting the surface as smooth as possible, let it dry for at least 12 hours. Don’t get fooled by the name fast-setting joint compound. The label will advertise that the compound dries in about 30 minutes to six hours, but you don’t want to leave anything to chance.

Letting the compound dry for 12 hours is the safer bet. That’s plenty of time to ensure there are no wet spots. Check the coloring and texture of the surface. If it’s chalky to the touch and gray, you’re all set to move on to the next steps.

Sand and Paint

Even after the previous steps, the surface still isn’t smooth enough to paint over. Grab a piece of 120-grit sandpaper and move across the surface. Either sandpaper or sand sponge can get the job done.

Scrape the surface back and forth. Once it’s smooth, wipe away the dust and debris, and prep the paint. Use a roller to paint over the patched area to have a smooth and consistent finish.

Decrease this risk of damaged tape work by using a drywall taping banjo. These tools are more consistent and efficient, and we just so happen to sell them. At Timothy’s Toolbox, we love providing our customers with tips for fixing receded drywall tape and the tools to do so. For more information, visit our website.