Hiding drywall seams is a specialized skill that requires experience. Incorrectly installing and taping drywall can cause problems such as cracks, bubbles, and visible seams when painted.
Here are some creative ways for hiding drywall seams. Understand why drywall seams appear. Learn how to effectively conceal drywall seams with detailed guides.
What Are Drywall Seams?
Drywall seams are the lines where the edges of two drywall sheets meet. You need to tape these seams and cover them with joint compound to create a smooth surface. You apply the joint compound, also known as mud, over the tape to blend the seam with the rest of the wall. If you do not complete this process correctly, the seams may become visible over time and could cause structural damage.
Improperly covering drywall seams can create weak spots in the wall. Over time, these weak spots can crack, especially as the house settles or if the temperature fluctuates significantly. It’s important to properly address drywall seams when installing to keep your walls looking good for a long time.
Why Are Drywall Seams Showing?
So, your drywall seams are starting to show, and you’re wondering why. Well, there are a few common reasons why this happens:
House Settling:
Over time, as your house settles into the ground, small shifts occur. This settling can cause movement in the walls, leading to cracks and more visible drywall seams. As the house shifts unevenly, especially if it’s built on fill-dirt or loose soil, the drywall becomes stressed, and cracks form along the seams. This is a natural part of a home aging, and while it can’t be completely avoided, it’s a common reason for seams becoming visible.
Poor Drywall Installation:
The way drywall is installed plays a huge role in whether seams stay hidden or start showing over time. If the drywall compound isn’t applied correctly or the layers are rushed, it can lead to visible seams later on. Each layer of compound needs to be applied evenly and sanded smooth to create a seamless finish. Improper installation makes seams the weakest part of the drywall, and they will eventually start to show.
Use of Mesh Tape:
While mesh tape is often used for drywall seams, it can stretch more than paper tape over time. As it stretches, the drywall seams can become more noticeable. Some installers prefer paper tape because they believe it offers more durability and resistance to stretching, keeping seams less visible over the years.
Temperature Changes:
Fluctuations in temperature can also cause drywall seams to show. As temperatures rise, the joint compound can expand due to increased moisture. When temperatures drop, the compound shrinks, and the tape shrinks along with it. This constant cycle of expanding and contracting puts stress on the seams, causing them to crack and become more visible. In places with extreme temperature changes, drywall seams are more likely to show unless indoor temperatures are kept steady.
Cracks Near Common Areas:
Drywall seams are especially prone to cracks in high-use areas like around windows, door frames, corners, and stairs. These areas experience more stress due to frequent use and movement. If cracks start to appear alongside the seams, it could indicate more significant issues, such as foundation problems or structural shifting.
While visible drywall seams can be frustrating, they’re often the result of natural processes like house settling or temperature changes. Proper installation and the right materials can help delay the appearance of seams, but some factors are unavoidable. Understanding these causes can help you address the issue effectively when it occurs.
10 Creative Ways to Hide Drywall Seams
When drywall seams start appearing, there are several methods to effectively hide them. Here’s a detailed explanation of each method:
1- Apply a Level 5 Skim Coat of Joint Compound
To hide drywall seams, apply a level 5 skim coat of joint compound on the entire wall. This process includes putting a thin layer of joint compound over the whole surface, about one-eighth of an inch thick.
The skim coat helps to smooth out the seams and any other imperfections on the wall. It is important to hire a professional for this job. Professionals have the skills needed to apply the compound evenly. They can create a perfect finish. Once the skim coat is applied and dried, the seams will no longer be visible, providing a smooth and uniform wall surface.
2- Sand the Appearing Seam
Another method to hide drywall seams is to sand them down. After applying and taping the joint compound to the seam, you need to wait for it to dry completely. Once dry, the compound typically shrinks slightly, which is normal.
At this stage, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the seam until it is flush with the rest of the wall. This sanding process helps to blend the seam with the surrounding wall, making it less noticeable.
3- Use Dark or Matte Paint
Using dark or matte paint can also help to hide drywall seams. Matte paint hides imperfections well because it doesn’t reflect light like glossy paint does. If matte paint is not available, a darker shade of paint can also be effective. Dark colors on walls help hide imperfections by reducing light reflection in the room.
4- Hang Up Wall Decor
One of the simplest and most creative ways to hide drywall seams is by using wall decor. For those unable to hire a professional or do the repairs themselves, this is an easy solution.
Here are some items you can use to hide drywall seams:
- Photos
- Wall tapestries
- Paintings
- Posters
- Flowers
- Mirrors
- Shelves
- Wall clocks
Mixing different sizes and shapes of decor allows you to effectively conceal imperfections while adding a personal touch to your room. Although it may take a little effort to find the right decorations that suit your space and the size of the seams, the result will greatly enhance the overall appearance of your room.
5- Apply a Primer
Using a primer before painting can effectively hide drywall seams. Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) primers are ideal for covering unfinished drywall and creating a smooth surface for paint application.
Before applying the primer, ensure the joint compound is completely dry and has been sanded smooth. If the compound isn’t fully dry, it may shrink, causing cracks in the dried primer. The primary purpose of a drywall primer is to seal everything, allowing the paint to lay evenly. For best results, use a primer specifically designed to cover seams and cracks, ensuring a flawless finish after painting.
6- Put Up Wallpaper
Wallpaper can also be used to cover up drywall seams and other imperfections. Before applying wallpaper, it is crucial to smooth out any cracks with joint compound and sand them to ensure a level surface. Be cautious, as applying wallpaper over too many cracks can trap air and create bubbles, which will show through the wallpaper. Choose a wallpaper design that complements your room’s decor, and carefully apply it to achieve a seamless look.
7- Texturing Drywall
Texturing drywall is an effective method for concealing seams between panels. After drywall is installed and seams are taped and covered with joint compound, imperfections may still be visible. Applying a textured finish helps to mask these seams by creating a more uniform surface. The added texture breaks up visual lines and imperfections, making the seams less noticeable and resulting in a smoother, more cohesive look for your walls or ceilings.
8- Choose the Right Drywall Compound
Choosing the right drywall compound is essential for hiding seams and ensuring a smooth finish. Drywall mud, or joint compound, is used with drywall tape to fill in holes, cracks, and seams. There are four main types of compounds, each serving a different purpose during the repair or installation process.
All-Purpose Compound: This pre-mixed compound can be used at any stage of the project. It’s easy to work with since it takes longer to dry, giving you time to maneuver and adjust.
Topping Compound: Used as the final layer after taping, this compound helps achieve a smooth finish. You can thin it with water to ensure a perfect consistency.
Taping Compound: This compound is applied when placing drywall tape. It firmly adheres the tape to the drywall, preventing cracks and seams from showing.
Quick-Setting Compound: Ideal for fast repairs, this compound dries quickly, making it perfect for jobs that need to be completed within a day. It also works well in areas with high humidity.
Using the correct type of compound is crucial. For instance, relying on topping compound for the entire project may result in visible seams later, which could ruin the smooth appearance of the wall. Each compound has a specific role, and choosing the right one ensures a flawless finish.
9- Use Right Drywall Tape
It has been discussed that using the right type of drywall tape is crucial in reducing the visibility of drywall seams. Paper tape, in particular, is highly recommended over mesh tape for several reasons. Paper tape is known to be stronger than mesh tape and does not stretch over time. If a tape with elastic properties is used, like mesh tape, it will eventually stretch and cause cracks to form along the drywall seam, which can make the seam more noticeable and unattractive.
Another advantage of paper tape is that it comes with a crease down the middle, making it easier for installers to fold it perfectly when working on corners or edges. This ensures a more precise application compared to mesh tape, which lacks this feature and can easily become off-center during installation. As a result, paper tape provides a cleaner and more professional finish.
When the paper tape is applied with drywall compound, both materials harden together, creating a stronger bond. This added support ensures that the drywall seam remains solid and less prone to cracking. Paper tape works especially well with drying or setting compounds, making it the ideal choice for a durable, long-lasting finish.
10- Color Washing Technique
Color washing is a simple yet effective painting technique that can add depth and texture to your walls. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master this technique with ease:
Start by preparing the room and the walls. Clean the walls and fill any holes with spackle. Use sandpaper to smooth out any seams or rough areas. Once the walls are prepped, apply a semigloss base coat. Don’t worry about achieving a perfect finish with this coat—just ensure it’s evenly applied. Use an angled brush for corners and a roller for the larger wall areas to speed up the process.
Next, mix your matte paints with glaze. This mixture will add depth and dimension to your walls. Begin by applying the paint with an angled brush, starting in the middle of the wall to establish your pattern. Make random brush strokes across the wall, allowing some of the base coat to show through. This creates a layered effect, making the wall look more textured.
After applying the first layer, let it dry completely. For the second layer, mix your second matte paint with more glaze. Apply this layer in random strokes as well, but remember to use a dry brush intermittently to soften any harsh lines. This technique helps blend the colors together and smooth out the transitions between layers.
By following these steps, you can create a beautiful color-washed effect on your walls with minimal effort. Enjoy the process and experiment with different color combinations to achieve the look you desire.
Bottom Line
By learning and using these techniques, you can hide drywall seams and keep your wall looking smooth and attractive. Whether you choose to apply a skim coat, sand the seams, use specific types of paint, hang decor, apply primer, or put up wallpaper, each method has its advantages and can be used to address the visibility of drywall seams. Properly handling drywall seams ensures a professional finish and helps to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Contact ROA Drywall Contractors
For expert solutions in hiding drywall seams, contact ROA Drywall Contractors. Our skilled team uses advanced techniques to seamlessly blend seams and create a flawless finish for your walls and ceilings. Whether you’re dealing with new construction or renovation projects, we ensure your drywall looks impeccable. Reach out to us today to discuss your needs and get a quote for professional seam hiding services.