How To Repair Drywall

Drywall is tough, but it’s not immune to damage. Over time, you’ll find small holes in a doorknob, holes from a plumbing leak, and cracks that make it look unattractive. These small imperfections you’re ignoring will give the impression that your property isn’t well maintained.

Repairing the drywall will improve your home’s appearance and increase its value to potential buyers. Not fixing drywall on time will result in further damages, and the property’s structural integrity will be compromised. You must address drywall damages as soon as possible to protect your investment and maintain your home’s value.

Drywall repair is a project most homeowners can execute without hiring any expert. If you have the tools and knowledge, you can smooth out the imperfections on your drywall. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of repairing drywall damage so you can restore its smooth, flawless appearance.

Safety Tips

Handle the sheets with care; drywall sheets are heavy. You should expect them to weigh about 54 pounds. You have to be careful while lifting, transporting, or lifting them. If they’re toppled, they can cause serious injuries or cause damage to items they fall on.
Dust from sanding drywall is hazardous; it can use respiratory complications such as sore throat, coughing, and red itchy eyes. They can also cause skin irritations or worsen health conditions like asthma.
Use the right tools for efficiency and effectiveness.
Clear the working area before you start working on the project.
You should wear proper lifting gear and back braces when moving drywall sheets. You should also use specialized handles, drywall carts, and dollies when moving heavy drywall.
Drywall lifting and holding using the over-the-head method should be avoided.
You might need a partner to assist in lifting heavy drywall; don’t lift alone to avoid damaging the walls.
You must wear protective equipment to stay safe while working on drywall repair projects. These include; dust masks, safety goggles, and respirators. You should also wear protective footwear and long-sleeved shirts.
Wait for the dust to set before you continue working on the project.

Tools And Materials You Need To Repair A Drywall

Depending on the nature of the damage, you will need some of the tools below in order to repair your drywall.

How To Fix Drywall Damages

There are different damages, each requiring a specific procedure and tools to be fixed. We’ll go through common drywall damages and how to fix them.

How To Fix Doorknob Damages

Doorknob damages are common on drywalls; they can be fixed easily with a peel-and-stick repair patch. This patch comes with an adhesive-backed aluminum screen reinforced with fiberglass mesh.

All you have to do is peel off the backing that comes with the patch and then press it over the hole. You then apply a joint compound over the patch using a 4- or 6-inch drywall knife. You should apply enough force to the compound to pass through the mesh.
Allow it to dry, and then sand lightly. You should apply another compound to ensure it’s extended a few inches above the previous coat. You should repeat multiple times if you have to until the hole is filled. Sand lightly, and then use a primer before painting the wall.

How To Fix Crumpled Corner Bead

Even though metal corner beads are tough, they’re not immune to destruction. The bead is formed when drywall sheets meet at the wall corner. They are protected by a metal strip that has an L-Shape metal strip, which is called the corner bead. Some activities will make a dent, such as a vacuum cleaner run-ins when moving furniture or children flinging a toy.

Normally, only a small section will be damaged, and the repair will be easier to handle in such a case. To repair a corner bead, you should start by cutting the corner bead. You should cut through at least 2 inches above and below the damaged area. Then you cut through every vertical edge using a utility knife. The paint and joint compound should be sliced through.
Use a straight-blade screwdriver and a thin pry bar to pry the corner bead from the wall while avoiding the surrounding drywall surfaces. You then replace the damaged section with new corner bead pieces. Screw the new bead and fasten with drywall nails that are 1 ½ inches long; the nails should have flat heads and should be very thin so that it’s easier to conceal than with drywall screws.
You can apply 3 coats of your joint compound and then proceed with sanding between the coats. The final coat should be spread with an 8-inch drywall knife. After the final coat, you can prime and paint to make the wall look fresh again.

How To Fix Creeping Cracks

Doors and windows can have cracks above and below them, and they are normally caused by lumber shrinkage. Repairing these cracks isn’t a big deal if you have the tools; you just need to follow the steps below.

You should begin by sanding the crack smooth, then remove the debris and loose dust with a vacuum. A thin joint compound should be applied to the crack.
Allow it to dry; sand it smooth, and then repeat the application for the second time. Then, spray the area with a coat of elastic cover-up like Good-Bye-Cracks product. This will dissuade the crack from reappearing.

How To Fix Saggy Textured Ceilings

If you have a leaky roof, the drywall will stain, and worse, it will become saggy from the joists. This can be a tricky repair if you have a textured ceiling.

Use a hand sanding pad with a sanding screen to remove the texture and smooth the area you want to fix. Push against the joist tightly; it should be secured along the seam with screws or drywall nails. Water stains can still bleed after using a standard primer; a primer designed specifically to block the toughest stains should be used to avoid this type of stain.
A mixture of drywall compounds should be applied using a thick nap roller to ensure the fixed area and the surrounding textured ceiling blend uniformly. You should thin the compound with water so that everything looks smooth. Before the compound dries, you should use a short-handled brush to add texture to your ceiling.

How To Fix Small Holes

Small holes on drywall aren’t a big deal; you only need a spackle or joint compound to fix small holes on drywall.

Clear the hole and ensure that any loose debris on the drywall is removed. Use a beveled edge around the hole if it’s a little bit bigger, then wipe out any dust with a damp rag.
Fill the hole with a joint compound or spackle using a putty knife, and allow the filler to dry. Sand the area lightly with sandpaper. Apply a second coat and sand. You can then apply prime and paint the area.

How To Fix Medium Holes

Filling medium holes on drywall can be a little bit tricky; it requires using finesse to feather the joint compound, and if it’s not done the right way, you can end up with a tiny bulge on the wall.

Sanding is required around the hole area where the patch contacts the drywall. The adhesive side of the patch should face the wall when applying it, and then use a joint compound to cover the patch.
Cover the patch with enough compound, and there should be enough feathers; use a putty knife to create a crisscross pattern. Leave it to dry and sand lightly. You then feather the edges to ensure the final finish looks smooth to blend in with the surrounding area. Then you can add prime and also paint the area.

How To Fix A Large Hole (Larger Than Six Inches)

Larger holes can be difficult to deal with; you must be careful and take time to avoid damaging wires and plumbing during the repair. You will need more tools to repair large holes in drywall, but the finish will look more professional. You will need a drywall piece covering the area, joint tape, joint compound, furring strips, and drywall screws.

Measure the hole and cut a piece of drywall in a square shape slightly wider than the hold you want to repair. Then you place the piece over the hole and use a pencil to trace the area.
Cut the area you have traced with a pencil using a drywall saw; follow the squared lines and cut through them. Furring strips should be placed through the hole. Ensure they’re pulled tightly against the backside of the wall, and use drywall screws to anchor them at the front.
The new drywall patch can now be patched; use a drywall screw to secure it to the furring strip. Use joint compound to hold the piece together by bedding in drywall tape. Then you cover the area with a joint compound. Sand lightly, apply a second coat and then another sanding. You can now add prime and paint.

Important Tips For Repairing Drywall

You should apply up to 3 layers of joint compound to your finish if you want a smoother look for the repair. Always sand before applying the next finish.
In order to feather the material, you should spread the joint compound to cover more than the affected area.
Before painting a textured wall, you should use a texture spray before painting.
Always add prime before painting; it’s not advisable to add paint directly on the joint compound. If you’re using spackles, some already have primer in them, and there is no need to add prime in such a case. They’re ideal for fixing small holes in drywall.
Instead of a furring strip, you should use a heavy-duty paint stirring stick in a pinch.
Use a vacuum to capture dust, or wear a dust mask.

FAQs

Can I repair A Drywall myself?

Yes, repairing drywall is one of the perfect DIY projects you can do at home in your spare time. The basic procedure is to apply joint compound, sand the area, and then prime and paint.

What Is Best For Patching Drywall?

Spackling compound/paste is your best option. Simply put, a joint compound is a putty designed for use on drywall damages; it allows you to achieve a smooth finish.

How Big Is A Hole Too Big To Patch Drywall?

Holes wider than 6-8 inches are too big to patch on drywall. You must cut the area and replace it with a new drywall piece.

Do You Need To Sand Before Patching Drywall?

Sanding is important in any home renovation, so always sand before you patch drywall.

What’s The Cheapest Option To Repair A Hole In Drywall?

Using a joint compound is the best option as anyone can use it; it’s more suitable to fix small and medium holes on drywall.

Do You Have To Add Primer After Patching Drywall?

If traditional patching materials are used, you have to use a primer. If not, foggy spots will appear after your painting. The patched areas will show through, making the final finish unattractive, even if it’s smooth.

How Many Coats Of Primer Should You Use On Drywall Patch?

You should apply a minimum of 2 coats of primer, ensuring a good bond between the wall and your new paint. You’ll also be able to cover up previous colors such as orange, red, or strange outdated colors.