Q&A for How to Repair Drywall Tape That Is Separating from Your Walls

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Why does drywall tape separate?

James Mansfield
Construction & Design Specialist
James Mansfield is a Construction and Design Specialist and the CEO of WestVillage General Contracting, a high-end and luxury design/build firm in New York City. James specializes in apartment, bathroom, and kitchen remodeling as well as fine cabinetry, lighting, paint, and wallpaper. James has developed a proprietary system of construction called the Luxury Build Method that hinges on a skilled team, respected partnerships, and clear, transparent communication. WestVillage GC has completed more than 500 commercial and residential projects in New York with designers such as David Scott Interiors and Fox Nahem, Kelly Behun. WestVillage GC is also a preferred contractor for Related buildings including Hudson Yards.

James Mansfield

Construction & Design Specialist

Expert Answer

Drywall tape isn't actually adhesive—it's applied with spackle or plaster of paris. Once it's come unstuck, the best thing to do is to remove it and start with new tape and new spackle, repair the area, and paint it.

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Question

What type of tape should be used in the corners of newly drywalled rooms?

Community Answer

Paper tape is best for the inside of 90-degree corners if the corner is straight and true. Certainteed makes a product called Levelline, which is a paper-faced vinyl corner tape. It works best for drywall corners that are not straight or that are at less than a 90-degree angle.

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Question

How do I repair cuts in the paint? In my bathroom there is a slit high up on the wall. How do I fix it?

Community Answer

Use the back end of a putty knife to indent the cut, then fill with 2-3 coats of spackle or mud. Prime and paint.

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Question

What do I do if the texture of the spray it too bubbly? Do I have to shake it for a long time?

Community Answer

Boil a pan of water, turn the heat off, and put the can of spray in there for about 10 minutes. It should work better, but spray cans are very difficult to match texture with either way.

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Question

If my ceiling drywall tape is coming loose, can I fix it without removing the old tape and replacing it with new tape?

Community Answer

Yes. put a small amount of joint mud on a putty knife and work under the tape where it is loose. Then press the tape back into place. When the mud dries, the tape will be secured to the wall again.

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