Dips and ridges in your drywall tape are not usually visible until after the walls are primed.
Drywall tape conceals the joints of hung drywall. Yet when drywall tape is not put on correctly, it can cause a host of problems. Even though applying drywall tape is not a complex task, installing it correctly requires time and patience, which can make it tempting to cut corners. Following drywall application guidelines during installation, however, saves you from making repairs later.
Blistering
Tape generally expands and forms a blister from water absorption after the second coat of joint compound is applied. The blister causes the portion of tape affected to bubble away from the drywall surface. The problem occurs when not enough joint compound exists between the tape and drywall surface, states Ask the Builder. Drywall tape is fickle and requires about 1/16-inch thick joint compound to adhere to the drywall surface and prevent blistering.
Peeling
According to Home Tips, drywall tape can peel away from the wall due to poor application, high humidity, nail pops and normal wear and tear. Determining the exact cause helps prevent the issue from reoccurring once repaired. Home Tips recommends seeking professional help if drywall tape is peeling in multiple rooms as repair can require significant time and effort, but if the problem is only with a single room, you can fix the problem on your own. Cut away the strip of tape that has peeled with a razor blade. Sand the remaining joint until the surface is even with a coarse sandpaper. Vacuum up debris and dust so that the surface is clean. Apply joint compound to the drywall joint, and cover about 2 inches from the edge of each joint side. Cut and apply drywall tape. The cut tape should be slightly shorter than the joint. Ensure the tape is completely flat and no bubbles are present. Cover the tape with a second coat of joint compound, and let it dry for at least 24 hours. Sand down any excess joint compound, and repeat the process again by applying another layer of joint compound before painting.
Nail Pops
Drywall tape not only hides the joint but also covers nails used to secure drywall to support beams. If nail heads are not flush against the wall when the drywall tape is applied, nails can protrude from the tape and create a surface blemish. Areas along corner joints are especially prone to popping due to normal house expansion, states the Family Handyman. It recommends checking each nail to ensure the nail head is completely flat and replacing nails in corner joints with screws that are less prone to popping.
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