Fixing a hole in drywall is a routine home upkeep chore that numerous homeowners can manage on their own. The necessary skills, equipment, and methods vary based on the hole’s dimensions.
Repairing a small hole in your drywall is simple, like flipping a fried egg. However, it gets harder as the holes get larger. Don’t worry, though; ROA is here to assist you!
Drywall Repair Techniques
The size of the hole will dictate the repair method you’ll use. You will need all these tools – refer to the guidelines below before making any purchases to determine what you’ll need.
Every stage outlines the necessary supplies. Drywall tape is available in paper or mesh variants; choose mesh if possible. The tools emphasized in bold are crucial for each phase, regardless of the hole’s dimensions.
Material and Tools Needed for Drywall Repair
Sure, here’s a revised version:
1. Putty knife
2. 120-grit sandpaper
3. Carpenter’s knife
4. Drywall saw
5. Broad knife
6. Trowel
7. Dust mask
8. Drill
9. Drywall patch kit
10. Pre-mixed joint compound
11. Drywall tape
12. Drywall screws
13. Furring strips
14. Spackle
You need these tools and materials for fixing drywall holes, no matter how big they are.
Repairing Small Holes (Anything Smaller Than a Nickel)
Small holes in drywall are easy to repair. You should fix holes larger than a nickel using the instructions for medium or large holes. Employ a joint compound or spackle to plug the gap.
For small DIY tasks, it’s advisable to purchase pre-mixed joint compound if you’re using it. Sparkles might contract when drying in bigger holes, necessitating an additional application. Joint compound, on the other hand, might droop or swell as it solidifies, necessitating sanding and a subsequent application.
Materials Needed:
Joint compound or spackle
Steps:
- Clean the hole by removing any loose drywall debris.
- If the hole is bigger than a dime, employ a carpenter’s knife to fashion a beveled edge around it.
- Wipe away any dust using a moist cloth.
- Utilize a putty knife to pack the hole with spackle or joint compound, then level the filler to align it with the wall.
- Let the filler dry naturally in the air.
- Gently rub the area with sandpaper and administer a second layer of filler if necessary.
- Sand again once dry.
- Prime and paint over the patched area.
This method will help you achieve a smooth and seamless repair of small holes in your drywall.
How to Patch a Medium Hole (Anything Smaller Than Six Inches)
For a professional finish, follow the instructions for repairing a large hole. This method needs skill to blend the joint compound with the wall. If not done right, there might be a small bump in the wall.
Feathering means making the joint compound thinner as you move away from the repair area. You should do this both when applying the compound and when sanding it. Get a drywall patch bigger than the hole from a hardware store kit. It has all you need for the repair.
Materials Needed:
- Drywall patch
- Joint compound
Steps:
- Sand and clean the area around the hole where you will apply the patch.
- Stick the patch to the wall using its sticky side.
- Smear the patch with joint compound.
- Employ a crosshatch technique with your putty knife when applying the compound.
- Ensure you apply sufficient compound to conceal the patch and have extra for feathering.
- Once dry, lightly sand and apply another coat of compound if needed.
- Once the second coat is dry, smooth it out using sandpaper.
- Gradually thin out the edges to seamlessly integrate the repair with the wall.
- Prime and paint the patched area.
Following these steps will help you achieve a smooth and well-blended repair of medium-sized holes in your drywall.
Here’s a revised version:
How to Patch a Large Hole in Drywall (Anything Larger Than Six Inches)
Ensure you proceed with caution to avoid damaging any cables or pipes during the setup process. Despite this approach necessitating additional equipment, the end product will appear more polished.
Materials Needed:
- Scrap piece of drywall
- Furring strips
- Joint tape
- Drywall screws
- Joint compound
Steps:
- Trim a square section of fresh drywall that’s marginally bigger than the hole.
- Position this piece over the area that requires patching and outline it with a pencil.
- Utilize a drywall saw to remove the impaired drywall following your outlined lines.
- Position the furring strips into the hole. Draw them firmly against the rear side of the drywall and secure them from the front using drywall screws.
- Ensure the screws firmly anchor the furring strips to the back of the drywall, with the screw heads flush or slightly dimpled.
- Position the fresh drywall patch appropriately and fasten it to the furring strips using drywall screws.
- Bed drywall tape into joint compound along the edges to hold everything together.
- Apply a layer of drywall joint compound over everything.
- Allow the compound to dry, then lightly sand the area and apply a second coat.
- Sand the second coat once dry.
- Prime and paint the patched area.
Following these steps will help you achieve a smooth and professional-looking repair of large holes in your drywall.
Tips:
- Apply a third layer of joint compound to achieve a smoother finish after sanding the second layer.
- When patching, spread the joint compound over a larger area. This will ensure you have enough material for blending.
- Always wear a dust mask while sanding joint compound, or use a vacuum to capture dust.
- To fix textured drywall, apply a can of wall texture spray prior to painting.
- If necessary, a robust paint stirring stick can be used as a substitute for a furring strip.
- Always complete the priming step before painting, as you cannot paint joint compound directly. Some spackles may include primer, which is best for small holes only.
Professional Drywall Repair and Installation Services
Drywall repair is generally straightforward. If you’re comfortable taking on the task and have the necessary tools, it can be a satisfying DIY project.
If you don’t have the right tools, or if the repair is extensive in scope, it’s best to hire a professional. They can replace the drywall for you. We recommend hiring a professional for situations like these.
If you need assistance, ROA Drywall repair professionals can patch holes or replace entire sheets of drywall as needed. Our results are seamless and aesthetically pleasing. From drywall repair to hanging and finishing, we handle it all! Contact your local installers in Austin and nearby areas to discuss your project today.
