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PRACTICAL TIPS FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT DIY-ERS AND CRAFT ENTHUSIASTS

Drywall Patching Tips and Tricks To Make It Look Professional

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.

If you are intimidated by holes in your drywall, we have some tips and tricks that will help you feel like a pro. Read the post to learn how easy it really is. These drywall patching tips and tricks are just what you need to gain confidence.#diyprojects #homerenovation #drywallpatchingtipsandtricks #howtobuilditblog

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!

drywall patching tips and tricks

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.

drywall patching tips and tricks

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.

drywall patching tips and tricks

4. Install

Screw on your sheet rock square to the board you just installed.

drywall patching tips and tricks

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.

drywall patching tips and tricks
Fiberglass Self-adhesive Mesh Tape
drywall patching tips and tricks

6. Don’t Forget To Sand

Sand smooth, and apply any texture you might have.

drywall patching tips and tricks

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.

drywall patching tips and tricks

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.

drywall patching tips and tricks

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

drywall patching tips and tricks

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.

drywall patching tips and tricks

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.

7 thoughts on “Drywall Patching Tips and Tricks To Make It Look Professional”

  1. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  2. 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 .

    Reply
  3. 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

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