No matter how cautious you are when working with drywall tape, air bubbles and blisters appear to form leaving you questioning how to prevent bubbles in drywall mud. Removing bubbles is a challenge. Not only do bubbles create an ugly aesthetic, but they also cause your drywall to decay more quickly. If you can understand the root cause of drywall bubbles and know how to stop bubbles from appearing in drywall mud, you can avoid anxiety and thousands of dollars worth of unnecessary costs.
What Causes Bubbles in Drywall Mud?
Drywall bubbles or blisters that form in drywall are caused by drywall tape that is covered in paper. The reason for this is that excessive joint compound was removed from the tape. In particular, there is an absence of joint compound that is between the tape and the drywall’s surface. Many novices do the wrong thing by taking off too much compound underneath the tape.
In addition, if someone presses the knife too hard, the tape will snap. Air bubbles will begin to develop on the second coat as the tape absorbs water during the second application of joint compound. At the time of coating, the tape will expand, which means there’s no adhesive to secure the tape.
Another issue is that drywall cracks could indicate that the finisher is not working correctly. It’s also possible the pre-mixed joint compound in the bucket you are using is not as good as it should be. If the product was in good condition and was not frozen when it was purchased, there shouldn’t have been any issues. To determine whether it is a quality batch, spread an 8-inch-wide patch of clean drywall and allow it to dry. If it’s hard to remove the patch using the scraper, you can be sure that there are no issues in the batch.
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How to Prevent Bubbles in Drywall Mud
The process of preventing bubbles in drywall mud begins with knowing that these pre-mixed joint compounds are water-based, advanced adhesives mixed with finely crushed solids, giving the joint compound body and mass. Therefore, the prevention of bubbles starts with mixing the right way.
Make sure that, after the compound has been mixed, it will look like the texture of a smooth, warm cake.
The liquid should come out from the pan or bowl effortlessly. In order to achieve professional results, you will need to focus intensely on the finer details and hand-eye coordination. It is also necessary to use tools to achieve the perfect quality. For drywall work, you must use the right knife. In this instance, a 5-inch wide taping knife with a flexible width is the best. Apply an ample amount of mud about a quarter-inch thick on the surface of the seam. Ensure you round off the corners, so you don’t tear the tape around the corners.
How to Fix Bubbles in Drywall Mud: Pro-Tips
Now that you know the most common cause of air bubbles forming under the drywall tape is poor construction, you’ll feel more secure knowing there is a way to correct this issue before you complete the joint. You can also read our how to repair drywall tape article if you need to fix tape itself.
First, you need to cut out the middle of the bubbled area. Use a utility knife and remove the tape from the space between cuts. You can also remove the whole tape if blisters are all over. Next, mix the drywall compound until it is an even consistency. Apply a thin layer of compound over the joint or to the area beneath the removed tape. Make sure the compound is at least a little larger than the tape. Then, cut the drywall tape to the length you require. Place the tape on the surface and then set it on the compound for drywall.
Once completed, grab the tape’s top edge and pull the drywall knife along the tape. Make sure to press evenly to set the tape in the compound and eliminate all air bubbles. Allow the compound to dry prior to moving into the following step. The final thing to do after drying is to put the longer edge of the 8-inch trowel into the compound. Apply a single-sixteenth-inch layer of compound on top of the tape of drywall. Let it dry, and then repeat the process. Sand, the area after the drywall compound, has completely dried. It is essential to make an even surface for painting.
Knowing how to avoid bubbles in the drywall mud can prevent you from having an unsightly finish. While working with drywall is arduous and tedious, the right way will yield the most effective outcomes. You can achieve an exquisite look by paying attention to the most minor details.
You can also use fiberglass mesh tape to eliminate air bubbles entirely. The holes in the tape itself allows the mud you coat the tape with to pour through the tape. Fiberglass mesh tape is also self-adhesive meaning you can apply the tape without the need for a pre-fill. The only thing you need to be concerned of is how to treat fibafuse or fiberglass skin irritation depending on how you handle the material.
Use coupon code TAPE10 to save 10% off your order. Limit is 1 per customer.
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