Repairing Guides

how to repair drywall hole in wall

by Kenneth Reichel Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Fix Large Holes

  1. Cut Out a Piece of Drywall to Use as the Patch. Cut a piece of drywall into a square a little bit bigger than the hole.
  2. Trace the Patch Size Over the Hole
  3. Cut Out the Hole
  4. Attach Furring Strips Inside the Hole
  5. Attach the Patch to Furring Strips
  6. Apply Joint Tape to the Patch
  7. Apply Joint Compound. ...

Part of a video titled How to Fix Holes in Drywall - 4 Easy Methods - YouTube
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Similar 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.

Full Answer

How do you repair a big hole in drywall?

Tools Required

  • Drywall sander
  • Drywall saw
  • Dust mask
  • Paintbrush
  • Screw gun
  • Taping knife
  • Utility knife

How to fix a large hole in your drywall?

Method 2 Method 2 of 2: Patching with a New Piece of Drywall Download Article

  1. Cut the hole into a neat square or rectangle. Home Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. ...
  2. Create a patch out of drywall that is 2 in (5.1 cm) taller than the hole. ...
  3. Put a screw through the middle of the patch to make a handle. ...
  4. Apply construction adhesive to the bottom and top edges of the patch. ...

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How do you fix a loose screw in drywall?

How to fix nail holes and screw holes in drywall

  • Drive new screws. Refasten the drywall with 1-1/4-in. drywall screws. ...
  • Cut away loose material. Cut out crushed or damaged drywall with a sharp utility knife. ...
  • Secure old fasteners. Bury drywall nails in the wood framing with a nail set. Back out and remove old screws.
  • Fill with patching compound

How to finish drywall in 9 steps?

Instructions

  • Prepare the Surface. ...
  • Apply the First Mud Coat (Paper Tape) If you are using paper tape, it must be embedded in a layer of compound, and thus the process takes slightly longer than ...
  • Apply the First Mud Coat (Fiberglass Tape) Fiberglass-mesh tape is self-adhesive and can be applied directly to the drywall seams without first applying a layer of mud.

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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.

How do you fix a big hole in the wall with drywall?

2:286:57How to patch and repair drywall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll have a rough edge around your cut the sand and wipe it down if there aren't studs behind yourMoreYou'll have a rough edge around your cut the sand and wipe it down if there aren't studs behind your hole attach a 1 by 4 inside your wall and screw your drywall patch to that.

Can you patch up drywall holes?

Patching drywall is often a top concern when preparing for a move. Drywall is vulnerable to cracks, dents and holes, but you can easily repair it with drywall joint compound and a little sanding and painting.

Can I fix a hole in the wall myself?

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 drywall hole is too big to patch?

Install the Drywall Patch 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.

How big of a hole can you patch with 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 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 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.

What is the stuff called to fix holes in walls?

Erase-A-Hole is a quick and easy solution to fill the holes in your walls.

How do you fill a large hole in an internal wall?

3:5911:15how to fill large hole in an internal wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use mortar for this or you can use expanding form we're going to use this grab adhesive andMoreYou can use mortar for this or you can use expanding form we're going to use this grab adhesive and sealant.

What household items can I use to patch a large hole in the wall?

Mix a tablespoon of flour, a teaspoon of salt and a few droplets of water in a small container. Mix thoroughly until it forms a paste and apply to the hole or crack as you would joint compound. Use a putty knife or index card to remove the excess while it is still wet and allow the rest to dry.

How do you fill a large deep hole in the wall?

0:141:55How to fill deep gaps in an internal wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore you start make sure you've covered the floor with a dust sheet then brush out the hole to getMoreBefore you start make sure you've covered the floor with a dust sheet then brush out the hole to get rid of the dust. This is really important as it helps the fillers stick more firmly as it dries.

How do you patch a large hole in drywall without studs?

1:112:14Patching Holes in Drywall With No Anchor Points - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou also want to make sure that you countersink your screws in a little bit that way when you putMoreYou also want to make sure that you countersink your screws in a little bit that way when you put mud over the top it's going to cover up those holes you want to take your piece of drywall.

How do you fix a big hole in drywall without a patch?

Spackle works great for holes that don't penetrate completely through the drywall, as its primary purpose is as a filler.With a small putty knife, apply spackling compound to dent or scratch.Scrape your knife lightly over the area until gap is filled and new spackle is smooth with the wall.More items...

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.

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 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.

How to fix a hole in a wall with cardboard?

Start by cutting a thick piece of cardboard into a square that’s slightly larger than the hole you aim to fix. Poke two small holes through the center of the cardboard cutout and thread a short string in through one hole and out through the other. Push the cardboard through the wall hole, keeping the string ends facing you and ensuring ...

How to make a wall with glue?

Use a toothpick to combine the two, then follow the steps below: Next, follow the steps below: Put on rubber gloves to be sure that this super-strength, fast-drying glue never comes in contact with your skin. Immediately apply the mixture directly to the wall. After it dries, start sanding the hard, plastic-like finish until it’s flush with ...

How to make a cardboard sanding board?

Push the cardboard through the wall hole, keeping the string ends facing you and ensuring that all corners sit behind intact drywall. Pull the strings tight to hold the cardboard in place. Mix together one tablespoon flour, one teaspoon salt, and a few drops of water to form a paste.

Is drywall indestructible?

Photo: fotosearch.com. While drywall is highly durable, it’s not indestructible. Over the years, interior walls take a beating, speckled with everything from nail nicks to doorknob dings. During your tenure as homeowner—or even as an apartment renter—you’re bound to end up with at least one unwanted hole in the wall.

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