Paper drywall tape can start peeling for a few reasons—humidity, poor installation, or simple wear and tear on the drywall surface. Whatever the cause, leaving it alone will only make it worse. The joint tape will keep lifting, and drywall cracks can spread. But don’t worry; you don’t need to be a pro drywall installer to fix it. With a few tools, some patience, and the right steps, you can make that bad drywall seam look as good as new.
Why Do Drywall Seams Peel?
Peeling drywall seam tape usually happens because the joint compound didn’t bond well to the tape or the wall. Here are some common reasons:
- Poor Adhesion – If the compound wasn’t applied evenly, the piece of drywall tape might not stick properly.
- Humidity and Moisture – Too much moisture or water damage can weaken the bond and cause peeling.
- House Settling – As your home shifts over time, small movements can pull the tape loose or cause cracks in drywall seams.
- Low-Quality Materials – Cheap joint compound or bad drywall tape can lead to bad seams and a weaker hold.
- Improper Installation – If too little drywall compound was used, or air bubbles got trapped, the tape won’t stay put.
How to Fix a Peeling Drywall Seam
You don’t need special skills for a drywall seam repair job, but you do need the right materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials:
- Drywall joint compound
- Joint tape (aka drywall tape, paper tape, fiberglass mesh tape)
- 120-grit sandpaper (or finer), sanding block, or sanding sponge (fine grit)
- Utility knife or razor knife
- 4-inch drywall knife or 6-inch drywall knife (12-inch knife if you're really into feathering)
- Wall paint and primer
- Paintbrush or roller
1. Remove the Loose Tape
Use a utility knife or putty knife to gently lift and cut away any peeling or loose tape. Try not to damage the wall underneath. If some of the tape is still well attached, you can leave it in place.
2. Sand and Clean the Area
Use sandpaper or sanding block to smooth out the edges where you removed the tape. This helps the new compound stick better. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth.
3. Apply Fresh Joint Compound and Tape
Spread a thin coat of compound over the seam using a 4-inch taping knife. Place new drywall tape over the compound, pressing it in gently. If using paper tape, run your knife over it to remove air bubbles and excess compound.
4. Add More Compound in a Series of Layers and Smooth It Out
Apply another coat of mud over the tape, feathering the edges out a couple of inches so it blends into the wall. Let it dry completely—drying time take several hours or overnight, but a couple of hours should do it.
5. Sand and Repeat if Needed
Once dry, sand it smooth. If you can still see the seam, apply additional coats of compound, feathering each layer wider and wider, let them dry, and sand again.
6. Prime and Paint
When you have a smooth finish, apply a coat of primer before painting to help the finish match the rest of the wall. Once the primer is dry, apply a fresh coat of paint over the area.
FAQ
Can I use mesh tape instead of paper tape?
Yes, mesh tape is easier to work with and sticks on its own, but it’s not as strong as paper tape. If you use mesh tape, apply a setting-type joint compound (like hot mud) to prevent future cracking.
What if my drywall seam is cracking instead of peeling?
Hairline cracks in the seam is usually caused by movement in the wall. You can fix it the same way—by removing loose material, applying fresh drywall mud, and reinforcing it with new tape. If seam cracks keep coming back, your home might have foundation shifts or structural movement that needs attention.
