Drywall Patching Tips

Drywall is one of the most forgiving construction materials there is, which is one reason why it's the No. 1 wall covering material in America. It's hard, but not indestructible, and when accidents happen, you can usually patch the damage yourself without the need of an outside contractor. Drywall materials and tools aren't expensive, so it's prudent to have a few in your paint cabinet and a working knowledge of drywall repair under your belt.

Patching Tools and Supplies

Most drywall repairs involve the application of joint compound, or mud, so it's a good idea to have some around. Unless you use it frequently, though, the premixed variety tends to dry out and become unusable, so it's better to keep a bag of the powdered variety. That way, you can mix just what you need, and it will always be fresh. You should also have a spare roll of paper tape on hand. You need an assortment of drywall knives with blades that range in width from 4 to 10 inches to get the best finished joints.

Large Patches

Whether someone smashed into the wall and left a large hole or a leaky pipe created a mess on your ceiling, patching a large hole usually involves turning an irregular hole into a rectangular one by cutting out some drywall. You don't save any time or money cutting this rectangle too small. It should be large enough to reach to the studs on each side of the damage so that you'll have something to which to attach the patch. A 1/4-inch gap between the edges of the hole and the patch is acceptable, and driving screws to hold the patch avoids the impact damage of a hammer.

Small Holes

Holes that are a few inches in diameter, such as the one left by a doorknob when the door swings open too far, are too large to fill with joint compound, but not quite large enough to warrant the removal of drywall. An easy solution is to stuff the wall cavity behind the hole with newspaper and then to spray enough foam insulation to fill the hole and create a bulge. After the insulation sets, you can cut it flush to the wall with a knife, and it will provide a solid backing for two or three coats of joint compound.

Tears and Bubbles

If you decide you no longer need that mirror you glued to the wall, you're going to have to deal with some torn drywall paper. After you've scraped off all the glue, the tears are easy to fix. You simply recoat each one with two or three coats of joint compound. If you see bubbles in the paper tape, the repair is slightly more complicated. You have to cut out the bubbles with a utility knife, which means removing some of the tape. Wet the replacement tape before you apply it. It will stick more securely and be less likely to form more bubbles.



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