Even if you are careful with drywall tape, air bubbles and blisters can still appear. This may leave you wondering how to stop bubbles in drywall mud. Removing these bubbles is challenging. They not only look bad but also make your drywall wear out faster.
Learn why drywall bubbles happen and how to stop them in drywall mud to save money and stress on repairs.
What causes bubbles in drywall mud?
Using paper-covered drywall tape often causes drywall to bubble or blister. This occurs because someone removes too much joint compound from under the tape. When there isn’t enough compound between the tape and the drywall, air pockets form. Beginners often make the mistake of scraping off too much compound from under the tape.
Additionally, pressing too hard with the knife can cause the tape to break. When you apply the second coat of joint compound, the tape absorbs water and starts bubbling. The tape expands, but there isn’t enough adhesive to hold it in place.
Drywall cracks can also indicate poor workmanship. Another possibility is that the pre-mixed joint compound you’re using isn’t of good quality. If the compound was in good condition and not frozen when you bought it, you should not encounter any problems.
To check the quality, spread an 8-inch-wide patch of the compound on clean drywall and let it dry. If it’s difficult to scrape off, the compound is good. If it comes off easily, you may need to use a different batch.
Repair Options for Drywall Tape That Bubbles
If bubbles appear in the tape, they will probably be noticeable on the finished wall. To fix this, you can remove the tape, fill the gap with spackle, and then reapply the tape and finish the area again. If the bubbles happened because of a mistake during application and not because of bad adhesive, you can try removing the tape and redoing it.
The tape might have been put on too thick, too close to the surface, or incorrectly. Sometimes, bubbles show up because the adhesive didn’t have enough time to set. If the surface is causing the bubbles, you can fix it by sanding the area and applying a thin layer of joint compound before re-taping.
If low humidity or temperature caused the bubbles, you can fix it by increasing the humidity or raising the temperature. If the weather conditions caused the bubbling, you might just need to wait for the conditions to improve.
How to Prevent Bubbles in Drywall Mud
Preventing bubbles in drywall mud starts with properly mixing the pre-mixed joint compound. These compounds are water-based adhesives with finely crushed solids that give them their body and mass. To avoid bubbles, it’s crucial to mix the compound correctly.
After mixing, the compound should have a smooth, creamy texture similar to a warm cake batter. It should flow easily from the pan or bowl.
For professional results, pay close attention to detail and maintain good hand-eye coordination. Using the right tools is also essential. For drywall work, a 5-inch wide taping knife with a flexible blade is ideal.
Apply a generous amount of mud, about a quarter-inch thick, along the seam. Be careful to round off the corners to prevent tearing the tape. By focusing on these steps, you can achieve a smooth, bubble-free finish.
Bubbles in Drywall Mud Common Issues and Solutions: Pro Tips
Poor construction causes air bubbles under drywall tape. You can fix this issue before finishing the joint. This will give you more confidence. For more help, you can read our article on how to repair drywall tape.
To fix bubbles, use a utility knife to cut out the middle of the bubbled area. Then, remove the tape from between the cuts. If there are blisters all over, you may need to remove the entire tape.
Stir the drywall compound until it reaches a uniform texture. Spread a slim layer of the compound across the joint or the spot where you removed the tape. Make sure the compound covers an area slightly larger than the tape.
Next, trim the drywall tape to the required length. Position the tape over the compound. Hold the top edge of the tape. Run a drywall knife along it.
Press evenly to smooth out the tape. Get rid of any air bubbles. Let the compound dry before proceeding to the next step.
After drying, use the longer edge of an 8-inch trowel. Apply a thin layer of compound over the tape. The layer should be about 1/16 inch thick.
Allow it to dry before repeating the process. Once the compound is completely dry, smooth the area by sanding it to create a surface that’s ideal for painting.
Knowing how to avoid bubbles in drywall mud can help you achieve a smooth finish. Working with drywall can be tedious, but doing it the right way will give you the best results. Paying attention to the smallest details will help you achieve a flawless look.
Fiberglass mesh tape can also be utilized to completely remove air bubbles. The holes in the tape allow the compound to seep through, creating a strong bond. Fiberglass mesh tape is self-adhesive, so you don’t need a pre-fill. However, be mindful of potential skin irritation from handling fiberglass materials.