- 1). Replace drywall with cement backer board in areas with a great amounts of moisture such as kitchen backsplashes, shower stalls, basements and bathrooms. Use cement backer board instead of drywall because cement backer board stands up to water better than drywall, which absorbs water.
- 2). Hammer in loose nails and screw in loose screws. Hammer in a wide-head nail, overlapping previously loose nails or screws to secure them firmly in place.
- 3). Repair holes in drywall or cement backer board with a patch or joint compound.
- 4). Fill in wide gaps between drywall or cement backer board sheets with spackle or joint compound and a putty knife.
- 5). Tape joint seams with a self-sticking fiberglass mesh tape.
- 6). Use sandpaper to smooth and level lumps and bumps. Tile requires a smooth and flat surface in order to hang securely.
- 7). Replace severely damaged, bowed or caved in drywall with new drywall or cement backer board.
- 8). Wash painted walls with a de-greasing soap to remove grease and grime buildup and dry the walls thoroughly.
- 9). Remove old wallpaper and wallpaper borders. Wash the walls to remove residual wallpaper adhesive.
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