How do you hide bad drywall joints?

Author: Dr. Keegan Wuckert  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

  1. Apply a level 5 skim coat of joint compound. Applying a level 5 skim coat across the entire wall will remove the seam, and it is the best solution for hiding drywall seams. ...
  2. Sand the appearing seam. ...
  3. Use dark or matte paint. ...
  4. Hang up wall decor. ...
  5. Apply a primer. ...
  6. Put up wallpaper.

How to cover drywall imperfections?

Leveling Up with Skim Coating

Skim coating is a technique used to create a smooth, even surface by applying a thin layer of joint compound over the entire wall. This process can effectively hide minor flaws and create a uniform appearance. This can effectively hide imperfections and create a seamless appearance.

What is the alternative to taping drywall joints?

Tape in Mud is a tapeless solution for drywall finishing. Instead of applying drywall tape to the joints, they mix special fibers in the mud and apply the fiber reinforced mud to the joints directly. It's really easy to use and saves about 40% of labor time.

What is the best primer to hide drywall seams?

Porous surfaces, such as drywall joint compound and masonry, require a primer that can penetrate and seal the surface. The KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior Latex Primer is an excellent choice for these surfaces.

How to fix exposed drywall seams?

  1. Remove Damaged Drywall Tape and Mud. ...
  2. Fill the Drywall Seam Crack With Mud. ...
  3. Add New Drywall Tape in the Area of the Seam Crack. ...
  4. Add Another Thin Layer of Drywall Mud Over the Tape. ...
  5. Repeat Adding Another Thin Layer. ...
  6. Sand any Bumpy Sections. ...
  7. Apply a Final Thin Coat of Drywall Mud. ...
  8. Sand and Paint the Repaired Area.

60 Year Old Mason Was Stunned by This Method! Repair Hole in Drywall in 5 Minutes

How do you cover up bad drywall joints?

  1. Apply a level 5 skim coat of joint compound. Applying a level 5 skim coat across the entire wall will remove the seam, and it is the best solution for hiding drywall seams. ...
  2. Sand the appearing seam. ...
  3. Use dark or matte paint. ...
  4. Hang up wall decor. ...
  5. Apply a primer. ...
  6. Put up wallpaper.

How to cover drywall gaps?

how to fill in a big gap of drywall grab a piece of scrap wood and drill it into place behind your drywall. this gives your new drywall something to screw into and keep it in place. once the drywall is in place, screw it into that board you just put in. now grab a bucket of joint compound and get to work!

Is there a primer that smooths walls?

Smooth Finish: No one wants bumpy, patchy walls. PVA drywall primer smooths out inconsistencies in texture, making the final result look silky smooth.

Which is better, Kilz or Zinsser?

Original Kilz Primer allowed more seep through when put in two coats to two different walls in the same area, whereas Zinsser provided superior coverage.

What happens if I don't tape drywall seams?

The joint compound can turn into powder if you neglect to apply tape to shore it up. In cases where excessive movement is expected, drywall mesh may be necessary, but is more expensive and more difficult to smooth out, so it's typically only used for potentially problematic areas.

What does a good drywall job look like?

A wall should look smooth and unified. It shouldn't show seams, or places where one sheet of drywall meets another. If it does show seams, it's a sign that the job was rushed or incomplete, or an inadequate job was done with drywall tape and/or drywall compound — a bad drywall mud job, in other words.

What is a substitute for drywall joint compound?

Spackle can be used to fill more than just drywall.

Joint compound will not stick to materials like brick, stone, wood, as well as other materials that vinyl and acrylic spackle can fill.

What can I use to cover bad drywall?

7 Creative Ideas for Covering Your Damaged Wall Without Paint
  1. Temporary Wallpaper – Easy Solution. ...
  2. Wall Tiles for Lasting Impression. ...
  3. Tile Decals – Redecorating Tiled Walls. ...
  4. Wall Decals – Let the Walls Speak. ...
  5. Tapestry & Curtains – Your Signature Theme. ...
  6. Art Accent Wall. ...
  7. Paintings & Sculptures.

What color hides bad drywall?

Color Considerations

We all know that lighter colors emphasize imperfections while darker colors hide them. This also has to do with light and reflection. Lighter colors reflect more light while darker shades absorb it.

Will primer fill in imperfections in drywall?

High-build primer-sealers fill in rough or uneven drywall finishing. The high-build products cost quite a bit more, but they may be worth the expense, especially when preparing a rough drywall surface.

Is there a paint that smooths walls?

Polycell Polyfilla SmoothOver for Damaged and Textured Walls. Gives a smooth surface that's ready to paint…. This product is not for online sale and can only be purchased from selected stores. Coverage 2.5 litres will cover up to 5m²(average layer thickness 0.5mm).

What does smoothing primer do?

Primer fills in fine lines and blurs imperfections, and with a smooth, even surface, your products will apply more easily. Since you'll need to use less makeup to get the same coverage, you will save on product and pennies in the long run.

Should you roll or spray primer on drywall?

Conclusion. Typically, back rolling after spraying on walls and ceilings is ideal especially for your primer. It will help in promoting better adhesion of the primer and reduce issues of raised filaments with drywall.

How do you hide uneven drywall?

8 Ideas to Cover Uneven Walls
  1. Textured Wallpaper. Textured wallpaper is a fantastic way to hide uneven surfaces. ...
  2. Wood Paneling. ...
  3. Wall Tapestries or Fabric Panels. ...
  4. Textured Paint or Plaster. ...
  5. Wall Panels or Wainscoting. ...
  6. Mirrors or Decorative Wall Panels. ...
  7. Gallery Walls. ...
  8. Peel-and-Stick Tiles.

Can I use spray foam to fill drywall gaps?

The low-pressure foam will fill the space just fine without the risk of changing the alignment or function of the fixture. You may have to apply a little more, so take your time and build in layers rather than trying to close the entire gap at once. Don't let gaps and cracks make your home hard to heat or cool.

How to tell a bad drywall job?

Assuming your drywall subcontractor was working towards level 4 or level 5 finish, below are some signs of a poor installation:
  1. Uneven Surfaces. ...
  2. Cracks And Splits. ...
  3. Visible Joints. ...
  4. Visible Screws. ...
  5. Sagging Or Pillowing Ceilings.

How to fix bad drywall seams?

For the seam between drywall panels to disappear after painting, that joint between drywall panels must be covered with compound in a specific way—in a series of layers, with each layer wider than the last. Additionally, each layer needs to dry—and, in some cases, should be sanded—before the next layer goes on.

How to fix drywall imperfections?

Patch Small Dents and Dings

Scrape away loose debris from the hole. Cover the hole or dent with fast-drying spackle to bring the spackle level with the drywall surface and let it dry 24 hours -- or the time recommended by the manufacturer's instructions. Sand smooth.

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