
Then try the following steps:
- Scrape or cut away any loose drywall particles in the damaged area so that the hole is clean.
- With a putty knife that’s 3, 6, or 8 inches wide, completely fill the hole with a first coat of paste or joint compound...
- After the final coat of compound is dry, try lightly sanding the repair area with 80- to 120-grit or fine-grit sandpaper...
What is the best way to repair drywall?
Instructions
- Inspect and Trim the Face Paper. If any of the face paper on drywall puckers outward, this needs to be trimmed before you cover the holes with joint compound.
- Load the Drywall Knife. ...
- Apply the First Pass. ...
- Apply a Second Coat. ...
- Lightly Sand (If Necessary) Once the second coat is fully dry, run your hand over the patched area. ...
How to repair a hole in drywall like a pro?
Tape and Seal the Drywall Patch
- 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.
What tools are needed for drywall repair?
- Putty knife
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Carpenter’s knife
- Drywall saw
- Broad knife
- Trowel
- Dust mask
- Drill
- Drywall patch kit
- Pre-mixed joint compound
How much does drywall installation or repair cost?
Drywall cost. Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the ceiling height, drywall type, and level of finish.Drywall costs $0.50 to $0.80 per square foot for materials. The labor cost to hang and finish drywall is $1.00 to $2.70 per square foot.. The cost to drywall a 12x12 room is $580 to $1,800.; The cost to drywall a 2,000 sqft house is $8,000 to $30,000.

How do you fix a broken piece of drywall?
1:073:09How to Repair Drywall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut out the area with a drywall. Saw apply joint compound to the back of the paper press into placeMoreCut out the area with a drywall. Saw apply joint compound to the back of the paper press into place and cover with a couple of coats of joint compound.
Can you replace a section of drywall?
0:283:19How to Replace Damaged Drywall : Wall Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd some scrap wood first thing we want to do is take a replacement piece of drywall. Put it rightMoreAnd some scrap wood first thing we want to do is take a replacement piece of drywall. Put it right over our hole and mark around. It. After we have it all marked we're going to go ahead and cut it.
How do you repair a large section of drywall?
1:032:04How to Create a Large Drywall Patch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI can cut a drywall pitch. Once you cut your pants to size you'll put it in place. And then useMoreI can cut a drywall pitch. Once you cut your pants to size you'll put it in place. And then use screws or nails to hold it in place on the studs.
What is the easiest way to repair drywall?
0:352:143 Easy Ways to Repair Drywall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing you're gonna want to do is clean up any rough edges around the hole and remove anyMoreThe first thing you're gonna want to do is clean up any rough edges around the hole and remove any loose debris drywall patches have an adhesive layer.
How do you cut and replace a section of drywall?
0:553:05How to Cut and Repair Drywall | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMove slowly along the outline letting the blade do most of the work. So your cut is clean andMoreMove slowly along the outline letting the blade do most of the work. So your cut is clean and straight then carefully remove the damaged section of the drywall. Next measure the new wall opening.
Is it better to repair or replace drywall?
Sometimes the damage to your drywall is more severe, but not so bad that it needs replacement. Larger holes (six inches or larger) will require a repair job.
How big is too big for spackle?
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 in sheetrock and drywall?
Drywall is a flat panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched in between two sheets of thick paper. It adheres to metal or wood studs using nails or screws. Sheetrock is a specific brand of drywall sheet. These terms are often used interchangeably.
How do you fix a big hole in drywall without a patch?
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 do I patch a small hole in drywall?
2:533:56How to fix small holes in drywall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOut you can use the putty knife to scratch off the surface. Area if it's a nail use a hammer to pushMoreOut you can use the putty knife to scratch off the surface. Area if it's a nail use a hammer to push it back in so that it's flush with the wall.
How do you repair a hole in drywall yourself?
2:4915:38How to Fix Holes in Drywall - 4 Easy Methods - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimilar with the first one you can buy a large patch that's a mesh adhesive patch like this one hereMoreSimilar with the first one you can buy a large patch that's a mesh adhesive patch like this one here we can actually just apply this eight by eight patch over the whole thing.
What kind of putty is used for drywall?
Joint compound, also called drywall compound, is a putty that has the consistency of plaster and is designed for larger jobs. Joint compound is made by mixing gypsum dust and water into a paste. It's usually comes in a pre-mixed container for your convenience and is commonly used for taping and finishing drywall seams.
How do you remove a small section of drywall?
Make the initial cut with a reciprocating or oscillating saw with a circular blade. Only cut deep enough to cut through the drywall and paneling. Carefully cut the rest of the hole. If the severed segment doesn't fall out immediately, pry it loose with a drywall knife or prying tool and throw it away.
How hard is it to replace drywall?
With patience, the right tools and a friend to help you, hanging drywall is not very difficult. Once you've learned how to hang drywall, learn how to tape and finish the installed drywall for professional-quality results. The joint work is really easier than it seems and provides very satisfying results.
How do you remove drywall without making a mess?
1:0112:09How to Remove Sheetrock with Less Mess - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSend you to ER if you're not careful. But the first thing I do is use this long knife to score theMoreSend you to ER if you're not careful. But the first thing I do is use this long knife to score the tape in the corners along the wall on the ceiling. Just a matter of putting that in the corner.
How to cut gypsum panel?
To cut the new panel, place a straight edge against your line and score it with a utility knife. With the scrap edge hanging over a flat surface just beyond your score, quickly snap the piece downward to break the gypsum. Flip over your panel and cut the backing paper to remove the excess. Do this for all sides to be cut.
How thick is gypsum board?
Measure the thickness or depth of the existing gypsum board as well as the size of your newly formed hole. Gypsum comes in four thicknesses in most homes: – 1/4″ – generally used in curved applications, it is not common but may exist in some homes and is available but hard to find at most stores.
What size knife do I use to remove gypsum?
Joint and taping knives (I prefer a 6 inch and a 12 inch for most jobs) Sand paper (120 to 150-grit or drywall paper is best) Rag or sponge. Saw for removing damaged gypsum (this can be as basic as a “jab saw” or a power tool such as an oscillating multi-tool)
What do you do when you are satisfied with your joints?
Finishing. When you are satisfied with your joints, apply a coat of primer or your first coat of paint. At this time if you discover any imperfections, dips or divots, you can still add a small amount of joint compound and sand to correct before painting. Congratulations, you’ve completed your first drywall repair!
What to cover a floor with before starting?
Cover the floor you will be working on with poly or a another covering such as a drop cloth or old sheet.
Do it yourself drywall?
Do It Yourself : How to Repair / Replace a Section of Drywall. As a homeowner, it can sometimes be helpful to know how to repair drywall yourself. The primary reasons for this could be damage incurred while moving furniture, replacement of a window or door, cutting current drywall for a new light fixture, etc. ...
How to repair a sanded area?
If you cut corners on sanding, the repair site will be noticeable, so take your time. Once the repaired area is dry, use a fine-grit (100 or 120) sandpaper. After the first round of sanding, add a second layer of mud, spreading it about 2 inches beyond the boundaries of the first layer. Once dry, re-sand.
Is drywall indestructible?
Drywall is tough, but it’s not indestructible. Over time, gypsum-board walls can sustain ugly cracks or holes. Fortunately, drywall is fairly easy to repair, but there is an art to it. Here’s what to do—and what to avoid—when fixing drywall damage so it’s indiscernible to landlords, homebuyers, or visitors.
Do you need a mask when sanding drywall?
DO use protection. The fine particulate of drywall compound could injure your lungs if inhaled. So always wear a dust mask when sanding drywall compound. Disposable gloves are also a good idea to protect your hands from the dehydrating effects of gypsum dust.
How to make a hole match drywall patch?
If the damage in your wall or ceiling is irregularly shaped, rather than try to make your drywall patch fit the hole, it’s easier to make the hole match your patch by using a utility knife to cut a neat square around the hole in your wall. Either cover the hole with a self-adhering fiberglass mesh patch or, if studs are visible ...
How to make a patch in a wall look flush?
Apply two or three more thin layers of spackling paste or joint compound over the seams of the patch until the entire area is flush with the surrounding wall. Use an even pressure when spreading and smoothing the compound. Once your patch looks flush with the wall, sand the area to make the seams truly disappear.
Can you paint over drywall?
Even if you’re a pro and have known how to repair drywall for years, you’ll typically find that once everything’s filled or patched, you’ll want to paint over it to hide your repair.
Is it better to repair drywall yourself or a contractor?
While a professional contractor is better for putting up new walls or doing major repairs, many say that repairing drywall can be a DIY job—at least, with some guidance. So strap on your tool belt, grab some sanding paper, the right compound, and check out these steps to learn drywall repair that you can do yourself.
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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.

Tools Needed
Supplies Needed
- Pre-Mixed Joint Compound (1.75 pt should cover about 20 Square feet, or a 4×5 foot patch)
- Joint tape (I prefer Fibal type tape)
- Handi-Panel or sheetrock (gypsum) panel – You can buy these as 2×2 feet or standard 4×8 foot and cut as needed.
- Wood for anchoring or drywall repair clips
Preparation and Demolition
- Before starting, it’s a good idea to close off the space you will be working on and remove or cover anything you don’t want to get dusty or dirty. Cover the floor you will be working on with poly or a another covering such as a drop cloth or old sheet. In this example, the drywall being replaced is from a ceiling below a bath tub where the fixture was leaking behind the valve, so some of the dr…
Points to Remember When Mudding Joints
- Less is more – do not apply too much mud, or over work it.
- Aim for 2-3 coats ideally.
- Blend joints by extending past by 6-8 inches.
- Clean your tools in between and ensure they are dry.
Finishing
- When you are satisfied with your joints, apply a coat of primer or your first coat of paint. At this time if you discover any imperfections, dips or divots, you can still add a small amount of joint compound and sand to correct before painting. Congratulations, you’ve completed your first drywall repair!