Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

If the drywall tape is peeling off the wall, it is best to remove the peeled tape and apply a new one. To do this, you will need plasterboard tape and putty (or similar putty).

Steps

1. 1 Use a sharp knife to carefully cut off the edges of only the “bad section” of the tape, and then remove the damaged tape.
2. 2 Remove dust and crumbs from the damaged area for better adhesion.
3. 3 Place new fiberglass tape along the seam where the old tape was removed. Paper tape can also be used, but it is not self-adhesive and therefore putty must first be applied to the wall. Most newbies find fiberglass tape easier to use.
4. 4 Fill the area where the tape was with a generous, smooth layer of putty, or better yet, apply the putty to the drywall first. Make sure the mix you choose is suitable for sanding, as some repair mixes take a very long time to dry (eg water-based filler, etc.).
5. 5 Let dry.
6. 6 Sand after each coat to remove any trowel marks and uneven surfaces. Stop sanding if mesh or paper tape begins to show through. This means it's time to apply the next coat.
7. 7 Apply another layer of putty to the tape and line the surface with the wall. On a wall with minimal or no texture, the putty should not be applied widely over the area to be repaired to minimize repair marks.
8. 8 Note, if your wall has texture, you will have to restore it after the second (final) layer of the mixture before it dries. Some textures can be finished with a putty and putty knife, others need to be sprayed. For a spray texture, visit your local hardware department or hardware store and find a small can of a substance that matches the texture of your walls (such as orange peel or knockdown texture).
9. 9 Paint the wall with the appropriate color; remember to use a primer on the surface first, otherwise the stain will be visible. You can use a can of spray paint primer (Zinsser or Bulls Eye) or another primer if you do not have PVA primer (drywall primer).

Tips

• Use a color changeable putty (pink to white when dry) to help you know when the putty is dry; but wait five minutes after it turns white.
• Be patient while the putty dries.
• If the tape comes off on one side, you can put a spatula under it and pull the tape off, then spread the joint mixture under the entire part of the loose tape and press it back against the wall. You can put putty or putty on the crack.
• If the tape comes off very little from the wall, place a small amount of putty or white glue under the tape and press down on it.
• "Putty" is a powder mixture consisting of gypsum and glue. Once you mix it with water, it forms a plastic mass similar to glue. The putty is a North American product; if you are unable to obtain one, ask your supplier or builder for recommendations on the appropriate filler for cracks and holes in the wall.
• Plasterboard is also known as plaster wall in various countries and SHEETROCK in the USA.
• If the tape is swollen, you can pierce it and cut it with a sharp knife, then squeeze the joint compound into the slot under the tape and press firmly against the wall. Cover the gap with putty or putty. Use a one inch (2.5 cm) spatula. Always use paper tape as the mesh often cracks. To repair cracked mesh, use paper tape and putty on top of it.
• Tape and joint compound, universal or surface, can be sanded or cleaned with a sponge after drying. It is best to finish with sanding, and cleaning is suitable for even latex and places where dust collects. Primer is usually not necessary unless you need a hard surface, if you apply a lot of paint with a roller or in two coats.
• The edges of the metal corner can crack if not secured. The tape and putty are cracking. The paper edges of the corner, which is not screwed on, but only putty, can crack and dangle freely. The paper tape is on top.
• You can also use "universal" tape and joint compound, which is now called "putty" for big flaws, since the putty is not durable if something sticks to it; and in fact it is not advised to use it, except for small paints.
• If the entire tape is loose, you can move it away without tearing it, put a joint compound and press the tape against the wall. Then cover with putty or putty.
• When you remove all of the tape, cut and pull out the damaged tape. Use a putty mixture, press on the new part of the tape and place directly on the old spot. Thoroughly dampened tape, it will become thinner overnight. Cover with putty, one or two coats.

Warnings

• Wait for the putty to dry.
• Test your paint on a small section of the wall to make sure it works for you. If you need new paint, pinch a small piece off the wall and bring it to your nearest paint store to select the appropriate paint.
• Check for major tape loosening issues such as moisture ingress or drywall flow. Moisture usually appears as a stain, but the use of a moisture meter is more accurate. Poorly attached drywall can rattle when you slam your hand against the wall. If you have any of these problems, fix them before messing around with a tape repair / replacement.
• Be careful with dust caused by sanding the joint compound. Although new joint compounds are relatively safe, some older joint compounds contain asbestos (which causes several forms of cancer). You must wear a respirator anyway, as breathing any kind of dust is harmful to you.