Repairing Guides

how to repair a hole in drywall

by Anna Skiles Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • Run strips of self-adhesive fiberglass drywall tape around the edges of the patch, centering the tape on the seams.
  • Use a 6-inch drywall knife to spread drywall joint compound across the patch and tape to create a smooth, flat surface.
  • Let the compound dry overnight, then sand until smooth.
  • Repeat with a second coat.
  • For a very smooth drywall hole repair, spread a third coat with a 12-inch drywall taping knife and let dry overnight before sanding.
  • Wipe the patched area with a tack cloth before painting the wall.

What tools are needed to fix a hole in drywall?

Other Tools That Are Nice to Have:

  • Keyhole Saw
  • Drywall Screw Gun
  • Cordless Drill
  • Drywall T square
  • Rasp
  • RotoZip ®
  • Ten Inch Drywall Knife
  • Halogen Light
  • Sanding Pole

How do you fix a loose screw in drywall?

  • Using steel wool: A method that will only work for light loads. ...
  • Using a pinewood shim: For this method, you’ll need some pinewood and a sharp knife to trim it with. ...
  • Using a golf tee: If you have a spare golf tee lying around, it can be useful in fixing a hole that’s too large. ...

How to patch a large hole in drywall?

Let dry and apply a second coat of joint compound if necessary. Sand the surface until smooth, wipe away any dust, and paint. For large holes, you’ll need to patch the area with a fresh piece of drywall backed by a wood support. Be sure to use drywall that is the same thickness as the existing material.

How to fix a hole in your ceiling drywall?

  • Create a patch from a 2 x 2-inch piece of drywall. Trace the piece of drywall you removed to ensure the patch is the same size.
  • Cut the patch using a utility knife and carpenter's square.
  • Test fit the patch in the wall opening to ensure it’s a good fit. ...

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How do you fix a hole in the wall drywall?

0:312:23How to Repair Drywall - How to Fix a Hole in the Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing drywall screws I supported the wood with a screw on the top and the bottom now insert the newMoreUsing drywall screws I supported the wood with a screw on the top and the bottom now insert the new section and secure it with a couple of screws in our case I added a third screw to the stud.

Can you fill a drywall hole?

Tiny nail and screw holes are the easiest to fix. Use a putty knife to fill them with spackling or wall joint compound. Allow the area to dry, then sand lightly. Anything larger must be covered with a bridging material for strength before patching compound can be applied.

How big of a hole can you patch in drywall?

6 inchesFix Large Holes For holes larger than 6 inches, you'll create a drywall patch with a different attachment method for the repair.

What do you need to patch a hole in drywall?

0:185:30How to Patch a Drywall Hole | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you could use some heavy duty joint compound tape like this or plaster tape. And put it on theMoreAnd you could use some heavy duty joint compound tape like this or plaster tape. And put it on the wall right over the hole like that but for that i would recommend. Multiple layers of tape.

What is the fastest way to fix a hole in the wall?

0:211:48How To Fix a Hole in the Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese plaster patches are super easy to attach. You simply peel off the back and stick it onto theMoreThese plaster patches are super easy to attach. You simply peel off the back and stick it onto the wall. Just smooth down the edges even grab your spatula to make sure it's really smooth.

What is the best drywall patch?

Top 4 Best Drywall Patch KitsNamePatch TypeBuy it now!3M Patch Plus Primer Small Hole Repair KitFiberglassAMAZONHomax Wall Patch & Repair KitSteelAMAZONRed Devil Patch-A-Wall KitAluminumAMAZONDAP Wall Repair KitAluminumAMAZONApr 26, 2020

How big of a hole can you fill with joint compound?

Preparing the Drywall Area. Use spackle to repair holes less than 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Spackle can be used to repair holes up to the size of your hand. You will have to use a support like mesh or wire to repair holes larger than 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.

What's the difference between mud and spackle?

1:444:53SPACKLE Vs. DRYWALL MUD/JOINT COMPOUND (What's the Difference ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that's how drywall mud works then you have spackle which is a different product altogetherMoreSo that's how drywall mud works then you have spackle which is a different product altogether essentially spackle is for very small repairs think nail holes little dents and gouges.

Can you use spackling to repair drywall?

Spackle is made for small repair jobs on drywall. It's thicker than joint compound and harder to spread. Because it has a binding agent mixed in with the gypsum powder, it is more elastic and less likely to crack or shrink when dried.

Small Dents and Dings

Scrape away loose debris from the hole. Cover the hole or dent with fast-drying spackle to bring the spackle level with the drywall surface and let it dry 24 hours -- or the time recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. Sand smooth.

Popped Nail Heads

A popped nail isn't holding in the stud and backs out of the drywall, creating a popped nail head.

Small Holes

For small holes, like those created by a doorknob, a patch kit may be used.

Large Holes

For holes larger than 6 inches, you'll create a drywall patch with a different attachment method for the repair.

Corner Bead Patch

Corner bead is used where two pieces of drywall meet to form a corner. Corner bead is available in a variety of materials, including metal, paper and vinyl.

Finish the Repair

You're almost done. Here's where you make it look like nothing happened.

Repair Textured Drywall

Textured drywall is a bit more complicated, but still pretty simple to repair.

Why do drywall screws pop up?

But drywall screws sometimes pop up too, as a result of damp framing that dries out and shrinks during the first year or two in new construction. The first step of how to patch a small hole in the wall is to drive nails back down using a nail set.

How to get a hump out of tape?

Squeeze some, but not all, of the compound out from under the tape so you don’t create a big hump on the wall. Immediately apply a light coating to the topside of the tape, tapering it out onto the wall.

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Prepare the Opening

Trim the edges of the hole to create straight sides and a square or rectangular overall shape. Use a framing square and a pencil to mark cutting lines on the drywall. Then cut along the lines with a drywall saw.

Warning

Make sure there is no wiring or plumbing behind the drywall surface before cutting by looking through the hole with a flashlight.

Install the Backing Strips

Cut two pieces of lumber or plywood a few inches longer than the long sides of the hole (if it's a rectangle). Place one piece into the hole, parallel to one of the long sides, so the strip is centered over the drywall edge (half is behind the drywall and half is exposed).

Install the Drywall Patch

Cut a piece of drywall to fit the hole. It doesn't have to be a snug fit, but the seams should be not more than about 1/8 inch wide. Position the patch over the hole and secure it to the backing strips with screws. Keep the screws about 1 inch from the edges of the patch and space them 6 inches apart.

Tape the Seams

Cut strips to length of drywall joint tape using a utility knife. Cover each seam with a strip of joint tape. Overlap the tape strips at the corners. Make sure the tape lies flat, with no wrinkles or bulges.

Mud the Seams

Cover the drywall tape with a thin layer of drywall joint compound, using a 6-inch drywall knife. You should be able to see the mesh through the compound. Let the compound dry. Then scrape the surface with the knife to remove any burrs or clumps.

How to repair drywall: small holes, cracks, and dents

If that heavy picture pulled your screw through the drywall or years of old nail holes are starting to build up, give them a quick touch-up using just a few, inexpensive tools.

How to repair drywall: medium-sized holes

For holes that are under four inches in diameter but too large to fill with spackle, use a drywall repair kit. These kits typically include all of the tools you’ll need to complete the repair on your own.

How to repair drywall: large holes

For larger holes in your drywall that are bigger than four inches in diameter, you won’t be able to use putty or spackle to repair them. When repairing larger drywall holes, you’ll likely need to cut out some of the existing drywall. For this step, be cautious and avoid cutting any wires that run behind the walls.

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