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Most drywall problems can be repaired with basic drywall tools, paper drywall tape and joint compound. Do not use drywall mesh tape for repairs. Although it is easy to use, the final product will be weak, and problems may reoccur. Paper drywall tape provides a strong bond with existing surfaces and, properly applied, will last longest.
Pops
"Pops" are the small round protrusions or blisters that form when a drywall fastener moves due to house settling and movement. To fix a pop, install a drywall screw right next to it. Screw it in deep enough to form a slight dimple, but not so deep that the head of the screw breaks through the surface of the paper. If a blister forms around the pop, cut it out with a utility knife. Remove all loose debris. Then fill the repair area with thick joint compound using a 6-inch drywall knife. Joint compound shrinks, so repeat the process until the repair area is smooth and flush with the surrounding surface.
Blisters
The joints where drywall panels meet are covered with paper drywall tape, which is embedded in joint compound. Blisters form at locations where the joint compound is missing underneath the paper tape. To repair blisters, cut around them with a utility knife. Remove any loose debris. Then generously coat the area with thick joint compound using a 6-inch knife. Lay a section of paper drywall tape over the repair area. Wipe away the excess joint compound with the 6-inch knife. Remove as much joint compound as possible. Allow your work to dry.
Now apply a second coat to the repair to hide the tape. Coat the repair area with thick joint compound. A 12-inch knife works best for large areas. Leave the area as smooth as possible. After it has dried, sand the repair area and recoat it with a thin consistency of joint compound. Repeat this final step until the repair area is smooth and flush.
Cracks
Cracks form for numerous reasons, including settling and poor workmanship. To repair cracks, widen them slightly with a utility knife, scraping out any loose debris in the process. Then coat them with thick joint compound and lay a section of paper drywall tape over them. Wipe away as much joint compound as possible with your 6-inch knife. Allow the work to dry, then follow the same second-coat process given for blister repair.
Holes
To repair holes, fill them with joint compound. Because joint compound shrinks, you may have to repeat the process several times. Large holes may not have enough support to hold the joint compound in. Try using wadded up newspaper to provide backing for the joint compound. If that does not work, most hardware stores sell an adhesive drywall patch that can be placed over the hole and then coated over. The instructions that come with the adhesive patch will tell you the best way to conceal it. Typically, you will have to coat over the patch several times using thick joint compound and a 12-inch drywall knife.
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