How to Repair Drywall After Eliminating Tile

Attractive, washable tile produces a durable wall layer when installed on drywall, making it a permanent design element in most cases. If the shingles were installed correctly, removing them often damages the surface of the drywall, leading to ripped paper, stuck-on adhesive or pulled-out chunks of compressed gypsum. Based on the extent of the damage, repairs typically involve filling holes, applying a skim coat on the surface and taping seams.

Scrape away stuck-on ceramic glue from your drywall with a plastic putty knife. Hold the putty knife as flat as possible to decrease gouges in the drywall.

Cut away loose pieces of peeling drywall paper using a utility knife.

Sand the wall using a drywall-sanding pad to smooth the surface. It’s alright if the wall feels slightly rough from residual adhesive, but sand sufficiently to remove chunks larger than a small grain of sand.

Thin premixed drywall compound with water into the consistency of pancake batter, and pour some into a paint roller pan.

Dip a thin-nap paint roller at the chemical and roll the mixture on the wall. If you are repairing a small part of wall, then you may use a small foam roller. Roll the chemical on thinly and evenly. It’s a messy job, so wear old clothing.

Smooth the chemical while it’s still moist using a drywall-taping knife. A small 4-inch knife is acceptable for areas less than 2 feet in diameter, however in case you are skimming a bigger section of drywall, a 12-inch or bigger taping knife works much better.

Sand the skimmed masonry following the chemical mixture dries completely and requires about a powdery white appearance. Use a light touch; you don’t wish to remove the chemical, only smooth away ridges and bumps. Wear a respirator and protective eyewear during the sanding process.

Repeat the skimming, sanding and drying procedure until you’ve built up a new, smooth surface on the drywall. It’s always much better to employ two or more very light applications of chemical instead of a single thick coat.

Cover cracks and bare drywall joints using self-adhesive drywall tape. If the original contractor installed the masonry panels with the specific intent of installing tile, then he may not have completed the joints. Don’t procrastinate the tape.

Smooth premixed drywall compound with a 4-inch taping knife to small cracks and bare joints. Push it through the mesh tape and smooth it flush with the drywall.

Sand the joints using a drywall-sanding pad after the chemical dries. Apply two or more light coats of chemical over the seams, then letting each coat sanding and dry it before applying the next.

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