Most people will try and cover the bubbles by applying a fresh coat of compound. But this only creates a bigger problem and makes the area prone to cracking. It’s better to fix the air bubbles before finishing instead of trying to cover it up. Any unevenness on the tape if left unfixed will still show when the wall is painted.

So how do you go about fixing bubbles on drywall tape?

Understand Why Bubbles Form

In order to prevent bubbles from forming on your next drywall project, you need to understand what goes wrong in the first place. During installation there are sections that bubble or become loose because the compound was not properly embedded into the tape.

Bubbles also form due to poorly embedded joints. When you are in a hurry to complete the project or you don’t have adequate compound to work with, it’s easy to leave spaces underneath that form bubbles. Always apply a generous amount of the compound before putting the tape.

Bubbles can sometimes form when you are using a compound that doesn’t have the right consistency. For instance, if the compound is just too thick there’s a high chance that bubbles will form. This is due to the fact that thick compounds are so hard to spread. The compound can even dry in some areas before you finish spreading creating unevenness.

Choose a joint compound that will give you the best result. If you are not sure on what products to use, ask for help when purchasing at the supply store. Get all the necessary tools such as a knife that is wide enough to make spreading the compound easier and more effective. You’ll be surprised at how much the right tools can contribute to a smooth and effective finish.

What You Can Do To Fix Bubbles?

To start off, identify the bubbled sections. Cut out that section using a knife and then remove the tape. If you notice the air bubbles present throughout, remove the tape instead of trying to cover it up. Make sure the compound has been properly mixed. If it’s too thick, add some water so that it’s easier to spread evenly.

Apply a layer of the drywall compound on the section where you just removed the tape. You can cover a width that is slightly more than the size of the tape. Cut out tape that would fit on that section. Place it directly on the compound then use a knife to press evenly. Make sure you do not apply too much pressure on this section.

Once the mud has dried the next step is to apply the second coating of compound. Make sure you apply a thin layer, say 1/6 inch of compound at a time. It helps to ensure the surface remains nice and even. Allow each coat to dry before you repeat.

How To Prevent Bubbles

One step you can take is to wet the tape prior to installation. Just run some water through the tape before embedding it to the compound. Make sure the tape doesn’t become soaked. Doing this before applying the tape to the wall will help to ensure it’s even.
Additionally, always make sure the tape is completely embedded in the joint compound. If you don’t do this bubbles will form later on when the coat dries. To ensure that the tape has embedded properly in the compound, spread evenly until you see some compound oozing out from the edges. You can apply some more compound on areas that have dried up.
Another thing you can do to prevent air bubbles is to mix the compound properly. Sometimes pre-mixed compound can be too thick to apply and spread evenly on the surface. You may need to add some water. But make sure you don’t add too much water. Making it too watery can also create problems.