How to Repair Drywall

Drywall is the choice of walls for most homes, but the reality is at some point repairs will probably need to be made to it. Drywall can become damaged for a variety of reasons; furniture thumping the wall, kids rough-housing or simply the age of the board itself. However, repairing the damage doesn't have to be a difficult project. The project can be accomplished with an assessment and simple steps.

Supplies:

• Pre-mixed drywall compound


• Mesh drywall patches


• Drywall board


• Sand paper


• Sanding block


• Block of wood


• Utility knife


• Trowel


• Putty knife


• Paint


• Nails


• Hammer


• Saw


• Tape measure


• Drywall tape

Small Repairs:

Dings and dents can be repaired with pre-mixed drywall compound.

1. Use the putty knife to apply the mixture to any indentations in the drywall board.


2. Smooth out the mixture over the damaged area with the trowel. Be careful not to spread the mixture too thin. The final coat should be at least 1/4 inch when troweled


3. Allow the compound to dry at least 24 hours.


4. Use the sanding block with sandpaper attached to sand the compound down to match the wall surface.


5. Paint the patched area to match the wall.

Medium Repairs:

Often it is necessary to repair actual holes in the drywall board. This can be accomplished with adhesive mesh fiberglass wall "Band-Aid."

1. Measure the hole and trim the adhesive mesh fiberglass patch to cover the hole.The patch should be at least 1 inch larger than the hole area.


2. Apply the mesh patch to the hole. Be sure the application area is smooth and free of dust.


3. Use the putty knife to apply the pre-mixed drywall compound over the mesh patch.


4. Smooth the compound with the trowel about one inch out beyond the patched area.  Do not make it  too thin or the mesh patch can become visible. After troweling, the  thickness of the compound should be no less than 1/4 inch.


5. Allow the compound to dry for 24 hours.


6. Use the sanding block with sand paper attached to smooth the repaired area to match the level of the existing wall surface.


7. Paint to match the wall.

Large Repairs:

For areas with extensive damage, the replacement of drywall sections is necessary.

1. Cut the damaged area into a square.


2. Remove the entire section of damaged board between the studs, if possible.


3. Measure and cut a new piece of drywall to fit the hole.


4. Place the new board in the opening and nail to the studs.


5. Measure and cut the drywall tape to fit the seams along the new piece of board installed.


6. Affix the drywall tape to the new piece and existing wall with a thin layer of drywall compound.


7. Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer of the pre-mixed compound over the tape and seams.


8. Smooth out the compound with the trowel over the tape.


9. Allow the compound to dry for 24 hours.


10. Use the sanding paper attached to the sanding block to sand the seams to match the existing wall.


11. Paint the wall.