How To Fix Bubbles In Drywall Tape - 1 Easy Method & Guide

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For your convenience, this post has links to Amazon. When replacing old plasterboard or repairing a wall, drywall tape is something that you will often need. You may have noticed that after a while of using a certain roll of tape, sometimes an air bubble is created on the surface. This is when you’ll want to know how to fix bubbles in drywall tape.

One of the most common issues you are likely to have is getting rid of the bubbles in the tape. They may develop for various reasons. Bubbled tape can be a result of hasty application and it is something that can be avoided if you use a drywall tape applicator to apply the tape.

Tip: Repair it will a small hole repair kit

You can choose to simply cut or remove the warped part of the bubbly dry wall tape. Then, fix the cut with a small hole repair kit.

Fixing drywall bubbles is usually an easy process, but it’s always a good idea to have a few tricks up your sleeve just in case. In this article, you can learn how to prevent and repair drywall bubbles.

10 Tips on How to Prevent Air Bubbles in Drywall Tape

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Tip: Use a drywall tape applicator

Using a drywall tape applicator is an easy way to prevent bubbles from happening in the first place. Not only does it speed up the project if you’re dealing with lots of taping, it helps you apply the drywall tape into the harder-to-reach corners.

That said, find out how to prevent drywall tape bubbles whenever possible. Follow these simple tips:

1. Never purchase and use frozen, defective pre-mixed compounds.

2. Avoid applying compound on moist walls. When working with drywall tape, always ensure that the wall surface is free of moisture and perfectly smooth.

3. Before starting to apply the mud, make sure it has the right consistency. The compound must resemble cake frosting and smoothly fall out after mixing. Also, it shouldn’t be overly crusty or runny.

4. When combining the joint compound with base materials or solids, make sure the mixture is homogeneous before you apply it to the drywall.

5. Put a 0.25-inch mud layer on the wall surface to get the appropriate application.

6. Always use the right drywall accessories. You can use either a trowel or a flexible wide knife. To get flawless finishing, use a 5-inch knife.

7. To prevent bubbles and blisters, use fiberglass drywall mesh tape.

8. Pay particular attention to the tape corners.

9. To avoid tears, make sure the tape is appropriately sealed with mud.

10. Make sure the ground solids and the compound under the tape are blended properly.

How to Fix Bubbles in Drywall Tape in 5 Straightforward Steps

Even if you’ve followed the aforesaid tips, bubbles are likely to occur from time to time if you regularly use drywall tape. So, how to fix them? To get started, you need to get some accessories and tools.

Here are the tools you need to have near at hand when tackling this job:

• Putty knife or razor blade
• Drywall trowel
• Sandpaper
• Drywall compound
• Drywall tape, and
• Paddle

Now that you know which tools are required for this DIY task, let’s see how to repair bubbles in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Mark the Bubbled Areas

First things first, you need to mark the bubbling areas underneath the drywall tape. Don’t skip this step since it can reduce your chances of overlooking small fizzes.

Take special care of the corners as these areas can easily lift. Use a pencil or a pen when marking these areas. This will help you during the repairing process in the following steps.

Step 2: Fix Small Area Bubbles

Identify all the bubble structures and lift-ups in your tape.

• Smaller bubbles – Tiny bubbles often appear in the middle. Take a utility knife and press these bubbles to push out the air. Apply compound over the tape and spread it along either side. Pass the knife multiple times to create a smooth layer.
• Larger bubbles – They tend to gather in close areas. After removing the old drywall tape at these areas, crop a circle (1-2 inches in diameter) and take it out. Gently reapply mud over that area.

Step 3: Repair Wide Area Bubbles

Now, you should tackle areas that have more than one inch in diameter. In those places, cutting off and installing new drywall tape is a proven practice.

• Cut drywall tape alongside the air bubbles.
• Get rid of current mud.
• Apply a new layer of mud so that it is smeared wider than the flanges of the tape.
• Measure the length before cutting off a piece of drywall tape making sure it fits this space.
• Set it in place carefully and remove the adhesive with your knife.
• Give it several passes to ensure there are no fizzes untouched.

Make sure the layer of mud is around 0.0625 inches thick. It works best for messing areas of up to 2 feet. That portion can be easily removed before installing a new tape.

Step 4: Go Applying Finishing Coat

• Once the application section has dried, apply another coat over drywall tape. Do not put a lot of pressure on it. Spread mud evenly all over the place.
• You may need to apply extra mud in areas with a lot of nails and screw spots. Make sure there’s also mud in the corner bead portions.
• Check all the taped areas and apply extra coats (about 6 inches wide) if required to make the wall perfectly flat.

Step 5: Finishing & Sanding

Leave mud to dry; it may take a couple of hours. Before you start sanding, finish the remaining patch repairs first. You are advised to put on goggles and a mask to protect your face from dust.

While medium-grit sandpaper can do a good job of sanding in most cases, you may also use coarse or fine counterparts if needed. Be sure to put much pressure and pay special attention to places with screws and seams.

Finally, apply a primer and you’re all set to start painting the wall!

FAQs on How to Fix Bubbles in Drywall Tape

Why Do Bubbles Occur in Drywall Tape?

Drywall tape bubbles usually develop either due to the gaps between the drywall sheets or when the compound under the tape is not enough. Drywall sheets must be connected very close to each other to avoid gaps. In addition, there must be enough compound under the drywall tape to cover its back altogether.

How to Avoid Bubbles and pockmarks When Using Drywall Tape?

Make sure mud/compound texture is consistent. Don’t spread the compound in a haphazard manner. Besides, be sure to place gypsum onto drywall tape the right way so that tape doesn’t come loose.

Takeaway

That was how to fix bubbles in drywall tape in less than 30 minutes. You have also seen some useful tips on how to prevent drywall bubbles. Keep them in mind next time you fill a hole or a crack in a wall using drywall tape.

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