How to Repair Drywall After Removing Tile
How to Repair Drywall After Removing Tile
Attractive, washable tile creates a durable wall surface when installed over drywall, making it a long-term design element in most cases. If the tiles were installed correctly, removing them often damages the surface of the drywall, resulting in torn paper, stuck-on adhesive or pulled-out chunks of compressed gypsum. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs usually involve filling holes, applying a skim coat to the surface and taping seams.1
Scrape away stuck-on tile adhesive from the drywall with a plastic putty knife. Hold the putty knife as flat as possible to reduce gouges in the drywall.2
Cut away loose bits of peeling drywall paper with a utility knife.3
Sand the wall with a drywall-sanding pad to smooth the surface. It’s okay if the wall feels slightly rough from residual adhesive, but sand sufficiently to remove chunks larger than a small grain of sand.4
Thin premixed drywall compound with water to the consistency of pancake batter, and pour some into a paint roller pan.5
Dip a thin-nap paint roller in the compound and roll the mixture onto the wall. If you’re repairing a small section of wall, you can use a small foam roller. Roll the compound on thinly and evenly. It’s a messy job, so wear old clothing.6
Smooth the compound while it’s still wet with a drywall-taping knife. A small 4-inch knife is suitable for areas less than 2 feet in diameter, but if you’re skimming a larger section of drywall, a 12-inch or larger taping knife works better.7
Sand the skimmed drywall after the compound mixture dries completely and takes on a powdery white appearance. Use a light touch; you don’t want to remove the compound, just smooth away ridges and bumps. Wear a respirator and protective eyewear during the sanding process.8
Repeat the skimming, drying and sanding process until you’ve built up a new, smooth surface on the drywall. It’s always better to apply two or more very light applications of compound instead of a single thick coat.9
Cover cracks and unfinished drywall joints with self-adhesive drywall tape. If the original contractor installed the drywall panels with the specific intent of installing tile, he might not have finished the joints. Don’t overlap the tape.10
Smooth premixed drywall compound with a 4-inch taping knife into small cracks and unfinished joints. Push it through the mesh tape and smooth it flush with the drywall.11
Sand the joints with a drywall-sanding pad after the compound dries. Apply two or more light coats of compound over the seams, letting each coat dry and sanding it before applying the next.Things You Will Need
- Plastic putty knife
- Utility knife
- Drywall sanding pad
- Premixed drywall compound
- Plastic bucket
- Thin-nap paint roller
- Roller pan
- Drywall taping knives (various sizes)
- Straightedge
- Self-adhesive drywall tape
Tip
Sometimes, the tiles are so tightly bonded with the drywall that it’s difficult to remove them without badly tearing up the drywall. If this is the case, it might be simpler to remove the section of drywall with the tiles still attached. That way, you can install new drywall without worrying about skimming the surface.Warning
Make sure each coat is completely dry before sanding.Source : http://homeguides.sfgate.com
