How To Fix Bubbles In Drywall Tape? – Best Methods!

Bubbles often form on our walls when we apply drywall tapes. Therefore, knowing how to fix bubbles in drywall tape can be very handy knowledge. 

Read along, we will show you the numerous causes of bubbles and how you can solve them.

The best way to fix these bubbles in our drywall would be to remove the tape in the affected area. Then reapply the drywall mixture before replacing the tape. 

What Are The Effects Of Bubbles In A Drywall Tape 

Some people consider bubbles in a tape not so much a big deal. And so, therefore, they don’t bother to try fixing the bubbles in case it is visible on the wall.

It should be known that there are certain after-effects of leaving bubbles on your walls and painting over them like that. 

A wall with bubbles in it is very much likely to have cracks. As the bubble will only increase over time and add up more and more air in it.

This will cause the paint on the wall to crack. It will also cause it to break out further, even in areas where there were no bubbles. 

Fixing this might not seem much of a trouble as it is quite easy to fix. But despite that, it leaves your wall with unbearable sight until you have fixed it.

In the second header, we shall be discussing how to fix bubbles in painted drywall.

Tip: Ensure to check out for bubbles after installation of the tapes.

Why Do Bubbles Form In A Drywall Tape?

Fixing bubbles in a drywall tape isn’t much of a hassle and it is best to be done as soon as possible.

But first, we must know what causes bubbles in drywall tape. There are a lot of reasons why bubbles form in our drywall tape. 

And mostly, it is bound to happen, especially if you are quite inexperienced or in haste to finish the wall.

To achieve a well-installed wall tape without bubbles, you need patience.

Poorly Installed Tape

The most common reason for bubbles in-wall tapes is the poor installation of the tape over the compound.

When applying the tape onto the wall you have to be meticulous.

If it isn’t installed properly, the air is bound to get in between the wall and the tape.

And this will obviously cause bubbles.

Unevenly Applied Compound

Bubbles are likely to form in drywall tape if the compound apply on the wall isn’t evenly mixed or is too thick. 

The unevenness of the compound can affect the wall in such a way that the compound is not mixed properly.

This could thereby cause the wall to have an uneven layer of the compound when applied. 

A compound that is too thick also can cause unevenness in the wall. This is because a thick compound will dry off faster. 

Even before you successfully apply the compound to every layer of the wall, it would have dried.

Poorly Embedded Joints

Another reason why bubbles form is because of joints with weak fusion.

This occurs mostly when you do not apply the compound well.  Or maybe when you are in a hurry to finish up the wall.

Thereby leaving spaces on the wall that will cause bubbles.

The Quality Of Tape And Compound

Using poor quality tape is a final cause of bubbles.

It is no doubt that certain types of tape can cause bubbles on walls due to their poor quality.

This can also be caused by poor-quality compounds.

Tip: When purchasing tape and compound mixture, ensure to consult an expert so that you purchase those of maximum quality

How To Fix Bubbles In Drywall Tape

When it comes to fixing drywall bubbles there are just a few steps to take note of.

The process doesn’t require too much work to be done. This is why it is best to do it the moment it is noticed and not allow it to stale any further. 

But even if you notice the bubble after painting your wall, there isn’t much need to worry.

The same process and procedure also apply to how to fix bubbles in drywall tape after painting. 

This process involves replacing the tape and reapplying the compound. The steps are listed below:

Things required:

• Utility Knife
• Compound
• Water 
• Trowel

Step #1: Cut Out The Bubbled Area

The first step when you notice a bubble in a tape, is to cut out the bubbled area. This is done by using a knife to cut out the affected area.

If the bubble is much on a section, it is best to change the entire tape.

Make a vertical cut from top to bottom on the bubble. This will make it easier to remove the entire tape from the wall.

Step #2. Use Sufficient Compound

After removing the tape, using fresh tape, mix up a reasonable amount of compound.

Ensure to mix the compound properly and consistently.

Not mixing the compound well enough could cause a bubble to be in the tape even after reapplication. 

Step #3. Apply The Compound Generously 

Apply the mud onto both sides of the tape. This will help stick when replacing the tape.

Afterward, apply the compound generously and evenly onto the affected area on the wall.

Put the tape on the wall and use your trowel to ensure that it is well fitted onto the wall.

Step #4. Scrape Off The Excess

Using Your trowel or knife, scrape out any excess mud. Then smoothen the surface of the wall afterward.

This is necessary to get the wall set for a second coating.

Step #5.  Apply Second Coating

The second coating of the compound is required for the tape. After the mud has dried, apply a reasonable amount of compound onto the wall.

Ensure to smoothen it out. It is important for the mud to dry before applying the second coating.

This is so you avoid bubbles. Thereafter, smoothen out the wall.

Tip: You can apply a third layer of coating to reduce the chances of bubbles. Just ensure that the previous coating has dried up before applying.  

How To Prevent Bubbles In A Drywall Tape

When it comes to bubbles in drywall tape, it is best to avoid them. This is essential because applying and reapplying can sometimes be tiring.

Therefore, it is important to take certain measures that will help reduce or eliminate bubbles at first application.

Wet The Tape

The first way by which you can avoid bubbles is to wet the tape.

When you slightly wet the tape before applying it to the wall, this will give it more firmness, evenness, and stickiness on the wall.

Do not over-wet the tape, it only requires some slight wetness.

Mix The Compound Properly

Another way is to mix the compound properly. If a compound is mixed right, there won’t be a bubble after application.

The trick is to add enough water but not too much. Just add enough to make the compound not too thick.

If the compound is too thick, it could dry off easily and this might cause unevenness on the walls.

A good trick is to mix soapy water with the compound. This gives the compound more stickiness.

Embed Tape Fully In The Mud

Additionally, ensure that the tape is fully embedded in the mud. Applying a good amount of compound on the wall will help this suffice.

Then apply the tape in such a way that the compound comes out on both sides of the tape.

This is necessary as this helps to ensure that the tape is well-grounded in the mud.

Tip: Avoid over-wiping the tape. when over-wiped, the compound tends to squeeze out and this creates bubbles in the wall. Smoothen out instead.

Read Next: Can You Use Drywall Primer on Wood? Complete Guide!

Conclusion

I believe by now, you not only know how to fix bubbles in drywall tape but also know how well to prevent them.

Overall, if you notice a bubble after fixing the tape, it is best to do it immediately than fixing it after the paint has dried.

But at times, we don’t notice the bubble on time and we might just have to do it even after the wall has been painted.