Repairing any type of damage to drywall requires choosing the right type of drywall patch or patching method. Damage to drywall can include scratches, dents, holes, and tears. Drywall is simply gypsum board covered by thick, grayish paper on either side. Used on interior walls, drywall is rather easily damaged, but knowing how to patch dents and dings will stand any homeowner or apartment dweller in good stead.
Drywall patch methods
Drywall patch methods will depend on the type of damage to the wall. Most of the time, the method used depends on the size of the damage.
Small holes
Patching small holes is a relatively simple process. Holes caused by nails, screws, and so forth can be easily repaired with a dab of joint compound or spackle pressed into the hole. Allow to dry and lightly sand before touch-up painting.
Patching kits
Patching kits are available at home improvement stores and contain everything you need for small patching jobs. However, some do-it-yourselfers prefer joint compound over spackling paste because it’s easier to sand down, especially when working on drywall. Joint compound and spackling paste can be applied with a putty knife, followed by a gentle sanding after it has dried.
Note: Patches come in a variety of types, from paper-based to the mesh-like fiber tape commonly used to cover drywall joints. It’s yellow in color, self-adhesive, and easier to cover than paper patches for many do-it-yourselfers.
Drywall patch methods for larger holes
Drywall patching and patch methods for larger holes require a bit more attention. In some cases, it may be necessary to cut out a piece of the drywall around the damaged area in the shape of a square or rectangle. Measure and carefully using a sharp utility knife. To create a ‘patch’ for this type of repair, you’ll also need to cut out another square of drywall to place in the existing cutout space.
Make sure at least a piece of that drywall square patch can be affixed to a stud or cross stud for support. If the hole is in an area between studs, a scrap of 2 x 4 lumber placed behind the existing drywall and attached to the drywall with drywall screws is effective in providing support so that the patch doesn’t simply fall through.
The drywall patch square should fit snugly, but take care not to damage the patch around the edges trying to press it in. Place strips of self-adhesive fiber drywall tape around the edges of the patch and the existing wall, only overlapping at the corners.
Use of a wider, 12-inch drywall blade is recommended for application of drywall joint compound around and over the patch. Extend application of the joint compound beyond the borders of the drywall fiber tape, smooth out, and then allow to dry. Additional coats of joint compound may be required to achieve a smooth surface.
Finally, sand gently with fine grit sandpaper until the drywall patch is smooth and ready for priming and repainting. If you need drywall repair in Indianapolis, call All Pro Painting. All Pro is also excellent for Indianapolis home painting for interior and exterior.
