How to, step-by-step instructions for fixing holes in your drywall.
It has happened to everyone at one time or another and it’s not the end of the world, but it sure feels like a catastrophe at the time; you’ve popped a hole in your drywall. It doesn’t matter how it happened, the repair is usually the same and you don't have to call in a professional. This is a do it yourself home repair.
If the hole is small you can obviously fill it with spackle and then sand the area after the spackle has dried. You will then need a coat of paint to finish the job and disguise your little boo-boo.
But what if you’ve knocked a much bigger hole in the wall? A hole that can’t be fixed with a little putty? Well, it can still be fixed, in a few easy steps, without calling professional help.
Step 1 – Get a piece of drywall and cut out a piece that will not only cover the hole but will cover a bit larger area in case the damage is bigger than you thought.
Step 2 – Hold the patch piece over the hole and trace it onto the wall. Then use a drywall saw to cut along the lines and remove the old piece.
Step 3 – Cut 2 pieces of wood to frame the hole. The pieces need to be longer than the hole. Put each one inside the wall and hold it up to the drywall and attach at the top and bottom with a drywall screw. It will look like a frame is inside the wall on the sides – or like you’re looking at wall studs.
Step 4 – Put the patch piece in the hole and secure it to the wood with drywall screws.
Step 5 – Seal all edges with drywall tape or fiberglass-mesh joint tape.
Step 6 – Use premixed drywall compound or joint compound and a large putty knife to smooth a thin coat over the joints.
Step 7 – Let dry and lightly sand the mud and then repeat step 6. You’ll probably want about 3 coats and once they’re all dry make sure they’re as smooth as possible.
Step 8 – Prime and paint the area to match the rest of the wall.
It’s a bit of work and will take a couple of days as you wait for the drywall compound to dry, but it’s much cheaper than hiring a professional and it’s something that anyone can do.
