Can you paint over drywall tape? You cannot paint directly over drywall tape. The tape is not the outer layer but rather a base for the mud. So, in a sense, you do paint over it, but only after your mud is smoothed, dried, and then sanded.

Will drywall tape showing through paint?

Will Drywall Tape Show Through Paint? If drywall tape isn't properly covered with several coats of joint compound, the edges of the tape will show through paint. In order to prevent this, apply 2–3 coats of all-purpose joint compound over paper tape, followed by a final coat of topping compound.

How do you cover up drywall tape?

If you've already used mesh tape and mudded over it and it's still showing, keep applying thin final coats with a 10- or 12-inch drywall knife. Gradually build up the joint in the middle—to cover the tape—and feather it at both sides to make it all look flat.