Do you have a hole in your drywall? Whether the hole got there accidentally or by way of an intentional punch or kick, it’s possible to patch a hole in drywall yourself. It can be tricky to do it successfully, so here are some proven steps to help you.
How to Patch a Hole in Drywall
1. Find a piece of drywall that is as thick as the damaged one. To use this as the patch, cut it out in a square big enough to cover the hole. Hold the square patch against the hole, and trace its outline on the wall.
2. Cut the hole into a square using a drywall saw, cutting from the center of the hole to the edges of the outline. While this means you’ll be making the hole bigger, it’s easier to do the drywall repair this way instead of cutting the patch into the exact odd shape of the hole on the wall.
3. Add a board to the back of the hole. For medium holes, cut a ¼-inch plywood about six inches longer than the hole’s height. Apply some construction adhesive to the board. Carefully insert the board into the hole with the adhesive side facing you. Pull it firmly against the wall. Screw the board in place, making sure to drive the screws through the drywall and into the board but with the screw heads just below the wall’s surface.
4. Cover the hole with the patch, firmly pressing it against the adhesive on the board.
5. Using a 6-inch drywall knife, apply a layer of joint compound thinly over the seams, patch, and screw heads.
6. When trying to patch a hole in drywall, you’ll need a piece of window screen or mesh tape that is cut a few inches wider and longer than the patch. Press the screen into the compound using the knife. This step helps prevent cracking between the old drywall and the new patch.
7. Apply another layer of compound from the center going outward, trowelling off any excess.
8. When the previous coat has dried completely, put on another thin layer using a 12-inch drywall taping knife. Smooth out the compound at least 6 inches from the edges of the previous coat.
9. When the last layer has dried, sand using fine (100 grit) sandpaper. Be careful not to expose the window screen or mesh tape.
10. Prime the wall and then paint it the matching color.
Find Professional Help
With the steps above, you will not need a repair kit to patch a hole in drywall. If you need help painting the patched up area or would rather have a professional do the entire drywall repair, contact TalkLocal now and we’ll be glad to connect you with the right professional in your area.
