Problems With Drywall Finishing

There are cases where the drywall joint appears rough and part of the paper comes out. This usually happens when you sand the area too vigorously. Sometimes too much sanding can cause extensive damage and you’ll need to apply a new joint compound. Simply start off by applying the compound on the joint and this time sand it gently so that the paper remains intact. Use a fine-grit sand paper to eliminate the risk of damage.

Nails That Pop Through The Finish

This is especially common in most modern homes. Nails can tend to move from the surface of the drywall and appear above the finish. This can be unsightly and dangerous. Nail pops can be repaired without causing any further damage to the drywall. You can simply chip away any materials that are popping up above the surface. If there are screws popping out, use a screwdriver to attach them securely to the surface. Use a joint compound and then sand it gently when it’s dry.

Fixing Overcut Drywall Holes

When replacing electrical boxes you may make cut outs that are just too big. They will leave some space on the drywall that needs to be covered. Any overcut drywall holes need to be filled properly before finishing. Start by measuring the size of the hole that would fit a mesh tape. Trim the mesh tape to suit that length using a knife. You can use joint compound to fix the mesh tape on that hole. Make sure all the holes in the tape are completely filled. Use joint compound to cover the area, this time making sure there are no spaces or gaps left. Finish off by applying a second coat of compound on the wall. Allow it to dry before sanding gently.

The Unsightly Look Of Bubbled Tape

Bubbled tape results when drywall work is poorly done. It’s also common for the bubbles to form when the tape hasn’t been properly embedded into the joint compound or the bond is very loose. The good thing is that it can be fixed without removing the entire area. All you need to do is focus on repairing the affected area. Start by cutting out the affected section using a knife to get adequate space where you can apply the joint compound. Reapply the joint compound then give it time to dry. Once it’s dry, apply a second coating and then use a sand paper to smoothen it.

Very Tight Drywall Joints

When the joints are too tight there’s a risk of causing extensive damage to the drywall in a way you never imagined possible. It’s good to leave enough room on the drywall joints to allow for expansion and contraction of the underlying wood. Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix to such an issue. What you can do in upcoming projects is to avoid this by leaving at least 1/8 space in between the sheets.

If you measure and cut the drywall to get the exact fit you’ll end up with crumbling on the edges. Furthermore, trying to remove a piece that is placed too tightly can be messy and time-consuming so it’s best to avoid this by leaving the 1/8 inch gap at the edges. It will be much easier and neater to fix any gap than repairing a broken corner on your drywall.

There are many other drywall installation mistakes that could be avoided. For instance, to avoid having holes in the drywall when fitting electrical boxes, carefully measure the outlet hole to ensure it’s a perfect fit. Do not start by screwing the drywall before you trim the opening. You will cause breakage on the electrical box that would need extra time and effort to fix. To avoid this issue check the fit of an electrical box before pressing the drywall tight to the wall.