I used to avoid any projects that required me to fix drywall. I thought it was impossible to make it match from every angle until I discovered these drywall patching tips and tricks.
Drywall Patching Tips And Tricks : Holes
1. Check For Electrical Wires
Now, this sounds like a given, but it is often forgotten. Before beginning ANY project, make sure you check the area for electrical wires or plumbing pipes. A simple check of the area can save you so much money in the long run!
2. Cut Your Drywall
Do not be afraid to make a bigger hole than already exists. I start by cutting an easy shape to duplicate, usually a square. Then I can cut a new piece of sheetrock to fit into the freshly cut hole.
3. Use A Short Board
Install a short (soft) board behind the sheet rock to screw the piece onto. Take a board that is approximately 4” longer than the span of your hole and holding it to the back of the sheet rock place two screws through the sheet rock securing it.
4. Install
Screw on your sheet rock square to the board you just installed.
5. Use Drywall Mesh Tape
Apply drywall mesh tape to the joints and apply joint compound. Do this several times getting a wider trowel each time to spread the distance of the joint compound. The wider the trowel the less noticeable the patch will be.
6. Don’t Forget To Sand
Sand smooth, and apply any texture you might have.
7. Primer Is Important
Primer is often a forgotten part of the project. No matter how many coats of paint you apply to your patch it will always show unless you put a primer on before your paint. If you do not have an exact paint match, I suggest painting the entire surface to all of the corners, otherwise you run the risk of still seeing the patched area due to a paint mismatch.
8. Drywall Repair Kits Are Available
For larger, deeper holes. It may be in your best interest to purchase a repair kit. Repair kits usually include dry wall screws, a saw, drywall tape, and a tool for sanding. Usually, you only have to provide a screwdriver! Repair kits can be found everywhere, but I found this great one from The Home Depot.
9. Small Repairs
When repairing small holes and “dings” simply cover the area with spackle. Let dry for 24 hours (or however long the instructions state) before sanding smooth and painting over
10. Repairing Other Drywall Issues
Lots can go wrong when installing drywall, and it is common to see issues other than a hole in the wall throughout your home. For problems such as over sanded drywall, and drywall “pops” use this tutorial from DIY Network.
I hope that these 10 drywall patching tips and tricks make you feel confident to fix holes. I promise, it is not as daunting as it appears!
Now you have the hole repaired, read up on these painting tips that will help you paint like a pro.
Thanks for posting this. Where do I get small pieces of sheetrock? I have a hole in my wall that is probably 3″ to 4″ to 2″ w. Also, how do you hold the larger soft board and actually get it in the hole to screw it into place? I look at this hole and I know it must be easy to fix – I’ll stop at Lowe’s and see if they can tell me what to get for the sheet rock and what a “soft” board is.
I like to run a large screw through center of board so I can hold onto it while attaching to wall with drywall screws. Just put one end of board through hole at a time and hold to inside of drywall until you secure with screws. Remove the “hold” screw from center and attach your drywall patch to this board.
Brilliant!!
You can do a California patch . that is when you cut the pice of drywall a little bigger. and then take and cut to the right size hole. and take the left over and peel the back side of and then it be the paper to tape .
You can also do a patch that you cut 2″ larger than necessary. On the back draw the hole. Then cut on the lines. You may need to cut several places to break off smaller corners or just keep cutting straight lines to break off several pieces until you get the shape you want.Break and peal the drywall off of the front piece of drywall paper . This front paper will be your tape. It is thinner than mud tape or mesh tape. Then apply some sheetrock all purpose mud, stick the piece of sheetrock into the hole. push out all air bubbles and trim off the excess paper. You won’t need a piece of wood unless it is on the ceiling. Search for “football patches ” for a video on how to do this. Good luck
I would like to no how to fix were 2sheet of sheetrock go to getting I live in a mobile home I would like everyone to take. The stipe o ff the wall were sheetrock go togeth
It’s also highly flame resistant, which makes it one of the safest materials used for housing walls. It also has excellent insulation properties.