At Utah Drywall Repair we love the everyday DIY’er so we’ve prepared this article to help guide you on your mission to fix and repair your own drywall. Of course if you ever feel like you could use some assistance please contact us and we’ll provide you a quick and easy quote to fix your holes in your drywall.
Fixing holes isn’t as difficult as you may believe. All that you will need is time and patience so you can get the job done efficiently. Before you get started, you need to decide what size the hole is, a small hole is around 1” and smaller, a medium sized hole can range between 8’ to 10” and the rest are considered large. Each one is fixed and treated differently so it’s very important that you know before you get started. We’ll help you fix Small-Sized Holes, Medium-Sized Holes, Large-Sized Holes, Cracked Corners and Textured Walls
Tools required:
You can also look at getting really nice kits available here at amazon or home depot
Small-Sized Holes
Fixing these types of holes is easier than you expect. If the holes are as big as your thumb it will require a little effort. If the hole is made due to a nail or screw, you can push drywall mud or even toothpaste inside of it and simply remove the excess paste with a damp sponge. Of course, you have to wait for it to dry out. In case the hole is bigger, you need to take the following steps:
Step 1 – Clean inside the hole and its surroundings. It’s best that you slope the sides of it so the outside is a little bit larger than the inside of the hole.
Step 2 – Use a mesh drywall tape and stick it over the hole. The greatest thing about this is that you can purchase a kit that has all of the supplies needed. This can be very handy in the future.
Step 3 – Cover the area that has the mesh patch with drywall mud. You need to use a utility knife and press firmly in a “+” pattern. Don’t overfill it as it will take longer to dry out and consequently harder to get the result you expect. If needed, add a second coat. In case there’s excess mud after it has dried out, scrape it off.
In the end, the wall has to be smooth because imperfections can be easily noticed, thus ruining the aesthetic.
Tip: Remember not to be forceful when you sand. Don’t push too hard into the fixed hole as you can damage it further.
Medium-Sized Holes
If the hole ranges from 2” to around 6” in diameter, it requires a different method. If we recommended toothpaste for the small hole, in this case, you should avoid using this. The easiest way to do it by using the California patch. These are the steps to take:
Step 1 – It’s very important that you check for any wires before you start anything. If there’s nothing in the way, cut a new piece of drywall that is around 2” bigger in diameter than the hole.
Step 2 – Scorch the back of the patch around 1” and get rid of the loose gypsum. Leave the paper backing as it will make your job easier for the next step.
Step 3 – Position it over the hole and use a pencil to mark around it. Then, cut out the area with the drywall saw. Don’t use a utility knife because it won’t be powerful enough to cut through the drywall.
Step 4 – On the paper, backing applies joint compound and place it in the area. Finally, cover it with as many coats of compounder as needed. Let dry and sand off any excess compound.
Tip: We recommend that you thin the compound with a little amount of water so that it will embed into the tape easier.
This is called a California patch
We found this blog post on how to complete this patch type
Large-Sized Holes
In case you’re dealing with large holes, you should know that you don’t have to change the whole wall to fix it. It’s actually very simple and straightforward. If you follow the steps below, you will get the job done fast and efficiently.
Step 1 – Measure the hole, then cut a piece of drywall that is bigger than the hole. Then, hold the patch over the area and trace it with a pencil. Finally, cut around the lines accordingly.
Step 2 – Position the furring inside of the hole on two sides. In order to secure it, you will have to drill screws in. A screw at the top and the bottom should be enough.
Step 3 – Set the drywall patch into the pace and drill screws into it so that you secure it with the furring strips. Again, one screw at the top and the bottom should do the job. Then, apply joint tape and compound. Use as many layers as needed.
Tip: Make sure that you don’t spread onto the neighboring walls. You will have to repaint that as well if you do!
This image was pulled from LifeHacker website. They have a really great article on how to repair drywall check it out
Cracked Corner
If you’re in this situation, you should know that it requires you to be precise. If you pay attention to what you’re doing, you will find it easy. These are the following steps to take:
Step 1 – Cut the damaged bead with a hacksaw and use a drywall saw to cut through the wall. In case there are any pieces left, remove them. Then, measure the area and cut a new bead to fit.
Step 2 – Secure the bead with two nails and fill the corner with the compound. Don’t worry if you apply more than the damaged area, you will be able to perfect the job by light sanding and painting over.
Tip: For the best possible results, we recommend that you use a primer before you paint. It will allow the paint to settle in better.
Textured Wall
In case you are dealing with a textured wall, it’s best that you sand the area that you’ve repaired so that it blends with its surrounding. Remember, don’t be too forceful when you do this. These are the steps to take:
Step 1 – Mix 4-parts of the compound to 1-part water.
Step 2 – with a stiff brush, dip it into the formula and flick it into the wall in a forward motion.
Step 3 – If you have a textured spray, shake it and adjust the nozzle. Spray it in a circular motion but keep it up to 18” away from the area.
Tip: For better results, we suggest that you flatten it with a drywall knife.
We at Utah Drywall Repair hope you’ve found this article helpful in your DIY adventure. Please share this with your friends with the buttons below! Check out our blog for more tips on your DIY drywall repair
Recent Comments