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How To Carry Out Drywall Repairs Like A Professional

By Brian Hughes


Drywall damage can arise from popped nails, small and large holes or even water leaks. These are some of the common problems that you are likely to encounter with your drywall. These problems are usually localized making them easy to repair. There are various ways you can carry out drywall repairs. Each of the methods is usually straightforward and easy to follow.

The most basic approach to any drywall problem is through patching using different supplies and finishing with a paint job. Concealing the repair job is usually the hardest part and you can easily achieve it by painting the area with leftover paint matching the rest of the wall. If you do not have any leftover paint, visit your paint store and have the same color mixed. When this is not an option for you, you can then repaint the rest of the wall with a new color.

Repairing small holes left by nails, screws or doorknobs is best done through patching the holes. The patches can be store bought but you can also use mesh tape. Once you cover the hole with mesh tape, you should press it to form an indentation. Then apply a joint compound to the patch. Three layers of the joint compound are recommended. Use a knife to force the compound through the mesh and into the hole. Do not build up the compound too much especially at the center or you will create a bump. When applying the second and third layers keep the center even as you apply the compound further.

If you are fixing a larger hole, you will follow a similar approach. This time, however, start by enlarging the hole by cutting back the loose drywall into a shape that you easily work with. This could be a square, circle or rectangle. Do this until you reach the solid drywall.

If the area is too large to be repaired with mesh tape, you can attach a similar piece of drywall. You then need to fit the piece of drywall into the hole. You can buy drywall clips that can be used to hold the piece in place. In the absence of the clips, you can use furring strips as a fastening surface and screw the piece in place using drywall screws.

After doing this, patch the area as you would do with a small hole. Fill it with joint compound and ensure that you even out the compound to avoid creating a bump that may be visible with different lighting. On the edge of the patch, put a layer of joint compound on it after covering it with fiberglass mesh tape.

Stick to the recommended three layers of the compound as you patch the area. Do not worry about any cracks or the piece becoming loose as it is fully secured. It should be a part of the wall.

When faced with a bigger drywall problem such as the need to cover a gap left after eliminating a door or window, you will need to add a frame to the opening before placing the patch. This makes it stronger before you can use furring strips or drywall clips to secure it. Once you are done covering the patch with compound, lightly sand the area before starting on the painting.




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