How to Fix Bubbles in Drywall Tape [DIY Pro Guide]

How to fix bubbles in drywall take? Drywall tapes are a common part of households. People use drywall tape to cover drywall seams, and these tapes are very adhesive, resistant, and durable. But still, drywall tapes can bring many issues to you. One of those issues is drywall taping bubbles. There could be several reasons behind such a problem.

However, the main reason is installing drywall tapes poorly. So, you need to know how to fix bubbles in drywall tape. This article will discuss 5 key steps of drywall tape repair.

Understand the Reasons for Bubble forming on Drywall Tapes

It is essential to know the reasons for bubbles forming before you can begin fixing the problem. So, why does drywall tape bubble? One of the main reasons is loose installation.

Some sections of the tape may get loose during installation. As a result, those sections can attract air to clog. Thus, the loose sections will end up being bubbly.

You can also notice bubbles in the joint compounds. This happens due to embedding the joints loosely. Such unfinished works in the joints can happen when you are in a hurry. You may intend to finish the project quickly. As a result, you might have left empty spaces underneath the tape. This can form bubbles in the empty joints.

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The third reason for bubble forming is using inconsistent compounds. If you use too thick compounds, the chances of forming bubbles get higher. This happens because it is tough to spread thick compounds. Also, some compounds may even get dry soon. It can create unevenness and cause bubbles to form.

The final reason could be with the adhesive you use. If you scrap the adhesive too hard, it can uplift the tape a bit. When the wall absorbs the moisture, air might sneak inside the tape. This can create air bubbles in the drywall tape.

Tools and Materials Needed for the Task

Knowing the reasons for the bubble forming may not be enough to prevent it. You might have to fix the issue on your own. Before we jump into the repairing process, we need some tools in our hands. Firstly, you will need some new tape. Then you will need a knife and a marking pencil. These two are used to mark and cut the bubbly areas. It is better to get a 5 inches long knife.

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Finally, you will need some mud or drywall compound to seal the tape underneath. It would help if you kept the mud on a mud pan before beginning the work. 

How to Fix Bubbles in Drywall Tape: 5 Easy Steps

There can be several ways to fix bubbles in drywall tape. But we have accumulated the easiest approach. Here are 5 steps to fix bulging drywall seams once and for all.

Step 1: Marking the Spots

The very first step is the easiest one. Yet, it is the most important one as well. Your first task is to take the marking pen and mark the spots with bubbles.

It would be best if you were very careful and precise when marking. This step will determine how well you can finish the next 4 steps to fix the bubbling problem.

Begin the marking process by finding the smallest fizzes. Mark those areas and move on to every little or big bubble area inside the tape. Circle the bigger areas with the marking pen to easily identify them. The bigger spots usually have diameters of 1 to 2 inches.

It would be best if you paid extra attention to the joint areas. If you do not fix bubbles in the joint areas, the problem may return soon.

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Step 2: Fixing the Bigger Spots

Now begin the fixing process with the smaller areas. Find the marked areas that have small bubbles formed. Take the knife out and cut through the tape to get the air out of those areas.

Once the spot is clean, take some mud from the mud pan. Apply mud over the spot and also on both sides of the tape. Use the knife to smoothen the mud layer.

After this, move on to the bigger areas. You will see many bubbles forming together in the tape. This requires you to cut the whole tape out from the spot. So, cut out the circular areas that you marked on the first step. Then apply mud again on the whole spot very carefully.

Step 3: Fixing the Wider Areas

Now it is time to move to the wider areas. In this step, your task is to fix wider areas of bubbles. You will see bubbles popping up all over these areas covering more than 2 inches in diameter. You will need to apply new drywall tape on these spots.

Begin the process by cutting off the tape from the complete area. Then remove mud and apply fresher muds all over the wall. After this, measure the length and area of the spot. This will help you to cut a new tape to the exact area of the spot. It is best if you use a paper joint tape this time.

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After getting the tape, install it over the freshly mudded area. Use the knife to scrape away any extra adhesive. Finally, give the area some time to dry on its own.

Step 4: Applying Mud

After the area is dry, you will have to apply a second coat over it. This coat goes over the drywall tape. At first, use the knife the better attach and evenly spread the mud with the tape.

Now check for areas with screws and nails. Apply extra mud over those areas. Also, cover the corner bead areas of the wall with mud. Then, add another 6 inches wide thin coat of mud over the newly attached tape.

Step 5: Scraping and Sanding

This is the final step to the task. In this step, you have to use sandpaper for sanding the fixed areas. It is best to take precautions by using masks and goggles.

You should pay extra care to the areas with screws and nails. The idea of sanding is to put enough pressure over the newly fixed areas of the wall. This will ensure that the tape and mud are entirely attached, and no air is inside.

After completing the step, you can begin painting the wall with your desired color.

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Tips to Ensure Bubbles Do Not Return after Fixing

You can take care of several things to prevent bubbles from ever forming. The first thing to ensure is to buy pure and unmixed mud or compounds. You should check the consistency of the mud beforehand. An excellent, consistent mud can be applied gently without any hassle.

Another thing you can do is to wet the tape before attaching it. Just sprinkle some water over the tape and make sure not to soak it. This will ensure that the tape is not uneven in different areas.

Finally, it would help if you gave extreme care to the joint areas. Also, focus on the areas with screws and nails. These areas can easily get loose and let the air go inside.

Conclusion

You now know how to fix bubbles in drywall tape with the 5 easiest steps. There should be no bubbles again in the future if you follow the final tips as well. If things still do not work out as you hoped they would, it is time to call in professionals. Remember that the professionals will be doing the exact same thing you learned here. So, try to build some knowledge and DIY repairing skills to do it on your own successfully.