Have you ever noticed bubbles, cracks, or peeling in the tape on your drywall? You’re not alone! Drywall tape can start to peel or crack because of normal things like moisture, movement in your home, or just wear and tear. But don’t worry! It’s easy to fix. In this guide, we will show you how to fix tape on drywall and make your walls look great again.
If you live in Anchorage, Best Anchorage Painters can help you with fixing drywall, setting up windows, and even installing doors. But if you want to try it yourself, let’s get started and fix that drywall tape!
Why Does Drywall Tape Come Off?
Before fixing drywall tape, it’s good to know why it comes off. Here are some reasons:
- Moisture: If your house gets wet, moisture can make the tape come loose. You can learn more about how moisture affects drywall and how to prevent it in our article on How to Repair Drywall.
- Bad Installation: If the tape wasn’t put on correctly, it might peel off later.
- House Shifts: Over time, homes can settle or shift, which can cause cracks in the tape.
- Temperature Changes: When it gets too hot or cold, the walls expand and shrink. This puts stress on the tape.
10 Simple Ways How to Fix Tape on Drywall
Now, let’s talk about how to fix tape on drywall using easy steps. These methods are simple and will help make your walls look good again.
1. Take Off Loose Tape and Put On New Tape
The easiest way to fix tape is to take off the loose tape and put on new tape. Here’s how:
- Use a knife to cut off the loose tape.
- Clean the area by wiping away dust.
- Put on some drywall compound. For a smooth application, you can learn more about how to apply drywall compound in our post on How to Patch a Hole in Drywall.
- Place new tape over the compound and smooth it down.
- Let it dry, then sand it. After that, you can paint.
2. Patch Small Cracks with Compound
If the crack is small, you don’t always need new tape. You can use drywall compound to fix it.
- Use a putty knife to spread the compound over the crack.
- Smooth the compound and let it dry.
- Once it’s dry, sand it and paint it to match the wall.
3. Use Mesh Tape
Mesh tape is an easy way to fix drywall tape. It’s sticky and helps keep things together.
- Clean the area and stick mesh tape on the crack.
- Spread drywall compound over the tape and smooth it out.
- Let it dry, then sand and paint.
4. Use Corner Tape for Corners
Sometimes, the tape comes off in corners. You can use corner tape to fix it.
- Take off the old tape and clean the area.
- Put compound on the corner and place the corner tape over it.
- Press it down, add more compound, and smooth it out.
- Let it dry, then sand and paint.
5. Use Paper Tape for Stronger Seams
Paper tape is strong and works well in hard-to-reach spots.
- Take off the old tape and add a thin layer of compound.
- Place the paper tape over the compound and press it gently.
- Add more compound on top, smooth it out, and let it dry.
- Sand it, then paint.
6. Use Fiberglass Tape for Extra Strength
Fiberglass tape is very strong and helps make the seams even stronger.
- Cut off the old tape and put the fiberglass tape over the joint.
- Add a thick layer of compound and smooth it out.
- Let it dry, then sand and paint.
7. Protect Against Moisture with Water-Resistant Compound
In places like bathrooms, you can use a water-resistant compound to help stop future damage.
- Take off the old tape and add a water-resistant compound.
- Put new tape over it and smooth it out.
- Add more compound on top and let it dry. Sand and paint when you’re done.
8. Use Primer for Extra Protection
A good primer can help protect your repairs and make them last longer.
- Once the tape is fixed and sanded, put a primer on top.
- Let it dry before you paint.
9. Use Skim Coating for Bigger Areas
If a big area is peeling, you can use a skim coat to fix it.
- Use a knife to spread a thin coat of compound over the whole area.
- Let it dry, then sand it smooth.
- Prime and paint it to match the rest of the wall.
10. Call for Professional Help
Sometimes the damage is too much to fix by yourself. If that happens, you can call Best Anchorage Painters to fix the drywall for you. We can help with big jobs, so your home stays in great shape!
How to Prevent Drywall Tape Problems in the Future
Here are a few tips to keep your drywall tape from coming off again:
- Control Humidity: If your house is very humid, use a dehumidifier to help keep the moisture down. Moisture is one of the biggest causes of drywall tape coming loose. This is especially important in places like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Keeping moisture levels low will prevent tape from peeling off. For more about moisture control, check out our guide on Home Window Repair.
- Watch for Shifting: Check for cracks in your walls. If you see them, fix them quickly before they get worse. Shifting in your home can cause drywall tape to come loose. Watch for signs of movement, like cracks in the corners or along seams, and make repairs as soon as possible.
- Use Quality Materials: Always use good tape and compound. Quality drywall tape and compound help make sure your work lasts longer. If you use cheap materials, the repairs might not stick as well and can peel off again sooner.
- Check Your Walls Regularly: Look for small cracks or peeling. Fix them early before they get bigger. It’s always easier to fix a small problem before it becomes a big one. By checking your walls regularly, you can catch issues before they become a bigger repair job.
Extra Tips for a Smooth Finish
When working on drywall repairs, getting a smooth and even finish can be tricky. Here are some extra tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Smooth the Compound: After applying the compound, make sure you spread it evenly. A putty knife or drywall knife is your best tool for this job. You want to make sure the compound is flat and smooth against the wall. You can learn more about drywall smoothing in our post How to Fix Bubbles in Drywall Tape.
- Multiple Coats: Sometimes, one coat of compound is not enough. If you notice lumps or uneven spots, apply a second or third coat. Let each layer dry before applying the next one.
- Wet Sanding: If you want a really smooth finish, you can wet sand the drywall compound. Wet sanding helps reduce dust and gives you a smoother finish. Just dip your sanding sponge in water and gently rub over the compound until it’s even.
Conclusion
Drywall tape problems may seem daunting, but with the right methods, you can restore your walls without a hitch. Whether you’re fixing small cracks, using strong tape on seams, or adding primer for extra protection, there’s a solution for each problem. Following these tips will help you maintain a smooth, professional-looking finish for years to come.
For more complex repairs or if you’d rather have a professional handle it, contact Best Anchorage Painters. Our team knows how to fix tape on drywall and can help keep your home in great shape with reliable, high-quality service. We have the skills to handle drywall repair, install windows, and more, giving you results you can count on. Don’t wait—reach out today to see how we can help you transform your walls!
FAQs
How to Repair a Loose Tape Joint in Drywall?
Cut away the loose tape, clean the area, apply a new layer of drywall compound, and place fresh tape over it. Smooth it out and let it dry, then sand and paint.
How to Tape Drywall Repair?
Apply a thin layer of compound over the repair area, place tape on it, smooth the tape, and add a second layer of compound. Once it’s dry, sand it smooth and paint.
How Do You Fix Tape Marks on Drywall?
Lightly sand the tape marks, apply a thin layer of compound over them, and smooth it out. Once dry, sand again if needed, then paint.
How to Repair Loose Drywall Tape on Ceiling?
Carefully cut away loose tape, clean the area, add new compound, and press fresh tape into place. Apply another layer of compound, let it dry, then sand and paint.
How to Fix Tape on Drywall Ceiling?
Remove damaged tape, apply compound, add new tape, smooth it out, and cover with more compound. Once dry, sand the area and paint to blend with the ceiling.