Drywall Repair Methods

Water, mold, accidents and everyday wear and tear can all lead to walls that look old and damaged. Even the most cautious homeowners end up with dents in their walls occasionally. Thankfully, drywall repair can be easy and cheap when done properly. Following just a few guidelines will result in walls that are smooth and clean. The following methods can be done cheaply and easily by homeowners to repair problem areas both large and small.

Methods of Drywall Repair

Small holes and dents won’t require much effort. The easiest drywall repair technique is to simply clean down the area, making sure the wall is dry, and then smooth over with drywall compound, found at any home improvement store. Try to find drywall or joint compound rather than spackling compound, which might shrink as it dries. If the desired effect isn’t achieved on the first try, wait until the compound dries, and continue to apply coats until the area is even with the surrounding wall. Let the entire area dry at least overnight. Once the last layer is dry, use sandpaper to even out the edges and texture. Finally, apply paint to match the rest of the wall.

Fixing larger areas will require a drywall repair kit and piece of drywall. Measure the area to be replaced and cut a piece of drywall as close to the dimensions as possible. Remove any drywall that needs to be replaced by cutting it out as evenly as possible, making sure to smooth out paper and loose drywall around the area. Cover the back and sides of the patch with joint compound or spackle and press into the hole, making sure to get the patch as level as possible with the surrounding wall. Hold the patch until the compound begins to set and then let it dry at least overnight to avoid slipping or unevenness. After the patch is dry, either use mesh tape covered with compound or compound alone to smooth the edges of the patch. Once everything is dry, sand the area down, prime and paint the wall.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Drywall Repair

Although drywall repair seems easy, it is also easy to do poorly. One common mistake is not letting the patch dry thoroughly before sanding and painting, which will lead to unevenness in color and texture of the wall. Another common error is not to use primer before repainting over the repair. Depending on the color of the wall, this can lead to obvious color variations. Inaccurate measurements and sloppy cuts can also leave walls uneven and unsightly. Be sure you know the exact dimensions of your patch before making those cuts. It will save you time and money. Ceiling repairs often require thicker drywall, so make sure you know what type of drywall you need before heading to the store. These mistakes can leave walls discolored, uneven and unattractive, but if you are careful your repairs will result in walls that look like new.