So the kids were horsing around and now you have a hole in your wall. Don’t despair. Making the repair is a fairly easy do-it-yourself project.
Read the following guide to find out how to patch a hole in the wall.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIRING SMALL HOLES
To repair small holes, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
- Sanding sponge
- Joint compound
- Mesh repair patch
First, for a one-inch or smaller hole, clear away any loose drywall paper and debris around the hole. Sand the hole edges and a small area away from the hole. Then, apply the joint compound with the putty knife making sure to keep it smooth.
Next, Let the compound dry. Check your work. You may have to apply a second layer of compound if the first layer shrinks after drying. Then, sand, prime, and paint the repair area.
For holes measuring one to six inches, prep the hole as above. Cut the mesh repair patch a little larger than the hole and affix it to the wall. Then, cover the repair area with joint compound. Let it dry.
Next, apply an additional layers of compounded if needed. Sand, prime, and paint.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIRING LARGE HOLES
To repair holes larger than six inches, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Drill with a wall screw adapter
- Carpenter’s square
- Drywall saw
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
- 1×3 piece of wood
- 3″ Drywall screws
- Drywall panel
- Drywall tape
- Joint compound
- 60 to 120 grit sanding sponge
With larger holes, the drywall has to be replaced. First, you have to find the stud that is near the hole. Use the carpenter’s square to draw a rectangular guide around the hole. Make sure to account for about inch around damaged area and half the width of the stud. Then, use the utility knife to cut out this area out of the wall. Cut the 1×3 piece of wood to measure the height of the removed area plus two inches. Attach this support behind the removed area with the drywall screws.
Next, cut a new piece of drywall to measure the same size as the area removed from the wall. Attach the new drywall piece to the stud and support. Center the drywall tape around the seam of the repair. Then, apply joint compound to entire repaired area. Make sure it is smooth and flat. Let the compound dry. Sand it smooth. Apply another coat of compound and let it dry. Sand, prime, and paint.
HELPFUL TIPS
When purchasing the drywall panel, see if the store has broken piece of drywall. You might be able to save money by not having to buy a full sheet.
You want the drywall screws to be an eighth inch below the drywall surface when attaching the drywall piece to the stud.
Remember the higher the grit number the smoother it sands.
All the materials and tools for this project are available at Lowe’s or Home Depot.
