A bad mud job on painted drywall is not a pretty sight.
You will want to rectify the problem before moving forward. Unfortunately, a traditional solution is not going to cut it and you will have to be meticulous with how the repair is done.
This is key as you learn how to fix a bad mud job on painted drywall.
To fix a bad mud job on painted drywall, you will have to apply a coat of primer and let it dry. Once this occurs, you will a lightweight joint compound and use it to remove any inconsistencies in the mud job. To remove the dust, use a simple sponge and it will get rid of the excess debris on the surface.
This process has to be done carefully as you do not want to damage the drywall.
This article will provide a clearer step-by-step breakdown of what is needed as you learn how to fix a bad mud job on painted drywall.
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Steps On How To Fix A Bad Mud Job On Painted Drywall
1. Apply Primer
When it comes to learning how to fix a bad mud job on drywall, you have to focus on the basics including the main coat going on top.
In this case, you are highly recommended to apply a coat of primer.
You will want to do this evenly and make sure it is being spread from one end to the other. This is essential for the mud job to be corrected the way you want it to be. Any mistakes here will create hurdles down the road.
Once you have applied the primer on the drywall, it’s time to let it dry.
You will want to ensure it has completely dried before moving on to the next step. This is a must!
If you don’t do this, the primer will begin to spread and become uneven. This is why ensuring it’s dry has to be the first step on your mind.
2. Spread Lightweight Joint Compound
Once the primer has dried on the drywall, you can begin to look at using a lightweight joint compound.
A good joint compound will help even out any inconsistencies in the finishing and lead to a more well-finished drywall texture.
This is a must for the finishing to be on par with what you need for your property.
Make sure to spread the lightweight joint compound in a way where it allows you to get rid of any issues with the existing texture. This is key as you learn how to hide a bad drywall job.
Remember, when you are doing this, you are not going to be sanding the surface. This means the only way to even out the surface is to use the lightweight joint compound.
3. Remove Dust With Sponge
When it comes to cleaning the drywall, you will have to find a way to do it safely.
It’s common for a person to immediately think about sanding the drywall. While this might work in other situations, it is not a good idea here.
The reason has to do with damaging the top surface of the drywall. As a result, the right option is to take a sponge and then press it against the top layer.
This will cause the dust to accumulate on the sponge and come off of the wall.

4. Let Drywall Dry
You will have to let the drywall dry once you are done with the sponge.
This is the only way it is going to settle the way you want it to. Be patient during the process and make sure you are letting the drywall dry safely.
This is a must and it is the only way to feel confident in what you are doing. It should take a few hours for the drywall to dry.
You are welcome to give it a little touch to see whether or not it has dried. Do not begin working on the drywall until it is bone dry.
Final Thoughts
These are the steps to remember when learning how to fix a bad mud job on painted drywall.
To fix a bad mud job on painted drywall, you will have to immediately apply a coat of high-quality primer. Do this evenly and then use a lightweight joint compound to even out the surface. This will also involve the use of a sponge to get rid of excess dust on the surface. Do not sand the drywall during any step in this process.
If you follow these steps, the bad mud job is going to be a thing of the past.
Read More About Walls:
- Steps For Installing Tiles On A Drywall
- How To Choose The Right Drywall Mud
- Do You Install Drywall On Ceiling Or Sidewall First?
- How To Choose Paint For Walls
- Reasons Drywall Mud Won’t Dry Easily
- How To Manage Skim Coating For Drywall
- How To Fix Drywall Imperfections
- The Right Way To Use Drywall Mud Over Primer
- Tips For Fixing Bulging Drywall Seams