Bubbles in drywall can show up slowly... or all at once. The surface imperfections might seem harmless at first, but ignoring them can lead to bigger drywall repairs down the line. Whether you call it bubbling drywall, drywall blistering, or sheetrock bubbling, the root cause usually ties back to one thing: moisture or poor installation. Knowing what causes it—and how to stop it—can save you time and stress.
What Causes Bubbles in Drywall?
Moisture is the biggest reason you’ll see bubbles form on your drywall. Water sneaks in from leaks, humidity, or even wet hands during installation. Once moisture gets behind the coat of paint or drywall surface, the bond starts to break down. That’s when the bubble formation begins.
Another common cause is poorly prepping the surface for painting. If the drywall wasn’t cleaned before the painting process or if the joint compound wasn’t dry, paint job problems show up fast. Skipping steps like priming unpainted drywall can also lead to peeling, blistering, or soft spots in the paint surface.
Sometimes, the strip of drywall tape used on the joints lifts off the wall surface. This usually happens when not enough drywall compound was used, the piece of tape wasn't embedded in the layer of compound, or the surface was dusty.
Here’s a quick list of things that can cause drywall to bubble:
- Water seepage behind the wall
- High humidity in bathrooms or basements
- Skipping primer before painting
- Painting over a wet coat of compound
- Using too little joint compound under tape
- Dirt or dust left on drywall before painting
How to Fix Sheetrock Bubbling
First, you need to find the source. If water seepage is the cause, stop the leak before doing any patch work. Fixing the drywall without fixing the leak will only bring the water bubbles back.
Next, scrape off the bubbling area. Use a clean putty knife to remove any loose paint or paper. If the drywall under it is soft or crumbly, you may need to cut it out and replace that section.
For smaller spots, once it’s dry, solid, clean drywall, apply a new coating of compound. Smooth it out, let it dry fully, then sand it flat. After sanding to a smooth finish with fine-grit sandpaper, wipe the area clean. Add primer before painting. Skipping primer can cause the same problem again.
If your problem is with bubbles in tape, you may need to peel it off and re-tape the joint. Use adequate compound under the tape to help it stick, and press it firmly before smoothing it out.
Can You Prevent Bubble Drywall?
Yes, but it takes a little care. Start with a clean, dry surface. Always let each layer of mud dry fully before adding the next—that also goes for layers of primer and paint.
Don’t rush. Most bubbling happens because someone tried to speed through the job. Take your time and don’t paint over wet mud.
Use the right tools, the right amount of compound, and always clean dust off before painting. A damp cloth works best. If the room is humid, try running a fan or dehumidifier to keep moisture low.
Also, check high-risk areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Make sure there’s good ventilation. Exhaust fans help a lot.
FAQ
Can I paint over a bubble in drywall?
It’s not a good idea. The bubble means the surface isn’t stable. Painting over it won’t fix the problem—it just hides it for a while. The bubble may peel or get bigger later.
Why does my drywall tape keep bubbling even after fixing it?
It’s likely due to poor adhesion. Bubbles under tape can happen if the compound is too dry, the wall was dusty, or the piece of drywall tape wasn’t pressed in well. Use a bit more compound under the tape and press it in firmly with a taping knife. Let it dry fully before sanding or painting.
