Drywall is a common material used in homes and buildings, providing a smooth and uniform surface for walls and ceilings. However, over time, you might notice that your drywall is uneven, leading to an unattractive appearance. Uneven drywall can be due to several factors, including poor installation, moisture damage, or settling of the building.
Fortunately, there are several effective methods to fix uneven drywall and restore a smooth, professional finish. In this guide, we’ll explore various techniques and suggestions for fixing uneven drywall, so you can choose the best approach for your situation.
Understanding the Causes of Uneven Drywall
Before jumping into the repair process, it’s important to understand the extent of the unevenness. Sometimes, the problem might be minor, such as a slightly bumpy surface, while other times, it could involve significant warping or bowing of the drywall panels. Identifying whether the issue is widespread or isolated to certain areas will help you decide on the best course of action. Common uneven drywall causes include:
Poor Installation
Poor installation can lead to a bumpy drywall surface. When drywall sheets are not aligned properly or screws are not set evenly, it creates gaps and uneven areas. These flaws can cause the wall to look irregular, making the surface difficult to paint or finish smoothly.
Moisture Damage
Moisture damage is a common cause of uneven drywall. When water seeps into the drywall, it can cause the material to swell, warp, or even crumble over time. This is particularly problematic if the source of the moisture, such as a leak, is not fixed promptly.
Settling of the Building
As a building naturally settles over time, the foundation and walls can shift slightly. This movement can create cracks and uneven surfaces in the drywall. The shifting can lead to noticeable imperfections, requiring repairs to restore a smooth surface.
Pest Damage
Pest damage, especially from termites, can lead to uneven drywall. These pests can eat away at the drywall from the inside, causing the surface to weaken and develop irregularities. Addressing the pest problem is essential before repairing the drywall to prevent further damage.
Solutions For Uneven Drywall
Once you’ve identified the cause, you can choose the most appropriate method to fix the problem.
Sanding High Spots
For walls that are slightly uneven, with high spots that are less than a quarter of an inch higher than the surrounding area, sanding might be all you need. Start by roughing up the area with a sanding sponge, focusing on the high spots. Use a fine grit sandpaper, typically around 320 to 400, to gently sand down the uneven areas. If you’re dealing with lumps of paint, a coarser grit of around 80 will work better. Sand with gentle pressure to avoid damaging the wall, especially if it’s wood. The goal is to create a smooth surface that can be painted over to match the rest of the wall.
Plastering Low Spots
When the unevenness is more pronounced, with low spots that need to be filled, plaster is your best option. The thickness of plaster makes it ideal for evening out areas more than a quarter of an inch deep. For small, isolated low spots, apply plaster just in those areas, then repaint the entire wall to ensure an even color and texture. If the low spots are larger or cover a significant portion of the wall, consider plastering the whole wall.
This not only smooths out the surface but also allows for a textured finish, which can further disguise any imperfections. Popular textured finishes include troweled, wood grain, stone, and Moroccan tadelakt. While plastering isn’t overly difficult, it does require some skill to achieve a professional-looking finish.
Using Elastomeric Wall Coating
For walls with rough surfaces, such as masonry, an elastomeric wall coating (EWC) can be an effective solution. EWC is applied similarly to paint but is much thicker, sometimes up to 10 times thicker, making it excellent for covering up imperfections. However, it’s not suitable for major unevenness. Before applying EWC, you should sand down any damaged paint and ensure the wall is properly prepared. Because applying EWC incorrectly can lead to a lumpy finish that’s prone to cracking, you might want to consider hiring a professional for this job.
Replacing or Adding Drywall
If the drywall itself is warped or bowed, the best solution might be to replace the damaged panels. This involves cutting out the warped section, measuring and cutting a replacement piece, and attaching it to the studs or to wood strips if the studs are not even.
This method ensures that the new drywall is straight and smooth, as long as you’ve addressed any underlying issues, such as moisture buildup, that may have caused the warping. In some cases, adding drywall over an existing rough surface, such as brick, concrete, or wood paneling, can be a practical way to achieve a smooth finish. The dot and dab method, where adhesive dabs are applied to the drywall or wall before attaching the drywall, is often easier than wet plastering and provides a good base for painting.
Covering with Paint
If the unevenness is minor, such as in a freshly painted wall, a simple paint job might be enough to smooth things out. Use a roller to apply paint evenly over the low areas. If you’re using the same paint that was recently applied, the touch-ups should blend in seamlessly. However, if the paint is older, you might need to repaint the entire wall, paying extra attention to the low spots to ensure an even finish. While this method won’t necessarily make the wall perfectly smooth to the touch, it can make it look visually even.
For walls with more noticeable unevenness, consider using a variegated paint pattern to break up the visual lines. Techniques like sponge painting, rag painting, or using a textured paint roller can create a variation that helps to disguise the uneven areas. Applying a lighter shade for subtle variation or a contrasting color for a more dramatic effect can be effective. Additionally, experimenting with techniques that imitate textures like stone or concrete can also help in masking imperfections.
Suggestions for Achieving a Smooth Finish
For areas where the unevenness is more pronounced, a multi-step approach is often necessary. Start by sanding down the high spots as much as possible, then apply a smooth batch of drywall mud over the area. Use a wide trowel to skim a layer of mud about two feet wide over the entire area. Let the mud dry for a few days, then lightly sand it to ensure the edge is feathered smoothly into the surrounding wall. Prime the area before painting to ensure the paint adheres well and provides an even finish.
For those who prefer a more textured look, materials like stucco can be used to create a unique finish while also evening out the wall. Stucco is thicker than plaster and comes in a range of textures, from smooth to coarse. It’s a versatile material that can be colored or painted to suit your decor, making it an excellent option for fixing very uneven walls.
When to Call a Professional
While many drywall repairs can be tackled as DIY projects, there are times when it’s best to call in a professional. If you’re dealing with significant unevenness, especially if it involves large areas or structural issues, professional expertise can save you time and ensure the job is done correctly. Drywall professionals can also handle more complex tasks, such as replacing or repairing drywall, applying elastomeric coatings, or creating textured finishes, ensuring a high-quality result.
Bottom Line
Fixing uneven drywall involves assessing the extent of the problem and choosing the right method to achieve a smooth finish. Whether you opt for sanding, plastering, applying elastomeric coatings, or replacing drywall, each approach has its place depending on the severity of the unevenness. With careful preparation and the right materials, you can restore your walls to their original smoothness or even give them a new textured look that adds character to your space.