Drywall trowel / knife Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link List Item 1Drywall compound Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link List Item 2Section of drywall 2" bigger than area to be repaired Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link List Item 3Straight edge Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item LinkUtility knife Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item LinkThis method is for repairs under 6”x 6”. To repair a larger area, other steps are required.
Inspect the area to be patched. You’ll be looking to make sure the visible damage is all that needs to be repaired. Potentially, the drywall is also broken or soft on the back side of the board, around the perimeter of the visible damage on the surface. If required, cut out any extra damaged board you find.
If there is no hole and you are only repairing surface damage, or the existing hole is not square, you will have to cut the board square to allow your patch to fit easily. Make sure to remove any dust before proceeding.
Now the area is ready to be repaired. The next step is to prepare your patch piece of drywall. Measure the area to be repaired, and cut a piece of drywall 2” bigger than this measurement on both sides.
On the back side (brown) of your patch, score the measurement of the hole, but do not cut all the way through your patch.
Now, remove the leftover pieces of drywall, leaving the paper face behind and attached to your patch. You should be left with a piece of drywall, with 1” of paper extending out past each edge.
If using pre-mixed drywall compound, follow the directions on the container and mix in a small amount of water in before use.
Take your drywall trowel, and spread mud on the face of the board around the hole. A little excess mud on the edge of the board is ideal, especially if your patch is slightly smaller than your hole.
Set the patch into the hole, and smooth out the paper, making it as flat as possible. Feel the patch with your hand to make sure there are no air pockets beneath the paper.
Spread mud over the entire surface of the repair, extending out at least 6” past the paper on all sides. Do your best to get this coat as flat as possible, but the most important part is that all the paper is covered.
Allow the area to dry, a fan can be used to speed up the process.
Use your trowel to scrape down any ridges or high spots in the repair. Do not sand at this stage.
Apply another layer of compound, coming out past your previous perimeter to allow your repair to blend into the existing wall.
On some smaller repairs, 2 coats may be all that is required, but most often 3 are needed.
Apply a finish coat of compound by adding a little more water to your mud. Using a 8” or larger trowel, spread a thin layer over the area, again extending past your previous perimeter. Adjust the angle at which you pull the trowel to get the thinnest layer possible for this coat. This will fill any small imperfections and make sanding easier.
Once dry, very lightly sand the area with a 150 grit sanding sponge. You can also wet sand with a grout sponge, to control dust in the area. If dry sanding, make sure to remove all dust from the area before painting.
Apply a high quality latex primer before painting. Inspect the texture of the existing wall around the patch area.
It’s likely that your patch is perfectly flat, while a wall that has been painted 10 times is likely to have much more texture. If you wish for the patched area’s texture to match that of the existing wall, apply extra coats of primer until suitable.
Apply 2 coats of high quality latex paint. To match the existing wall paint, you will have to paint the entire wall.