Drywall is hung in wide, flat sheets with the edges butted against one another and covered in drywall tape and joint compound (plaster). Painted drywall can hold up to a little moisture, but if the plaster seam gets wet, it's likely to ripple and crack. Resist the urge to just plaster over the damage, as that will leave a noticeable ridge on the drywall. The proper approach is to remove the old compound and tape and re-tape the seam.
Instructions
1. Use your medium drywall knife to scrape off the damaged plaster from the seam and expose a few inches of the underlying drywall tape. Pull the tape away from the wall, taking the rest of the plaster with it. Scrape off any residual plaster with the drywall knife.
2. Set mesh self-stick drywall tape over the whole length of the exposed seam. Press it firmly in place with your palms.
3. Cover the tape with joint compound, using your medium drywall knife. Make the line of compound just slightly wider than the tape (about 4 inches), and make it completely smooth.
4. Allow the compound to set for eight hours. Lightly scrape the surface with your wide drywall knife to knock off any peaks from the dried compound.
5. Spread on a second coat of compound, using your wide drywall knife. Make the seam 6 to 8 inches wide, and smooth. Let it set for eight hours. Scrape it with your drywall knife.
6. Spread on a third coat of compound, making it about 10 inches wide, and smooth. Let it dry overnight.
7. Lightly sand the dried compound. Wipe off the dust. The wall is now ready for repainting.
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