4 Most Common Ways to Patch Drywall
Drywall is a popular building material used in many homes and buildings, but it's not immune to damage. Holes, cracks, dents, and other types of damage are common issues that building managers and homeowners face. But the good news is that repairing drywall is a relatively simple task that can be done with the right tools and materials.
One key technique in drywall repair is called feathering. Feathering the edges on a drywall patch means to spread the joint compound out thinly and evenly beyond the edges of the patch thus creating a gradual transition from the patch to the surrounding wall. This technique helps to create a smooth, seamless surface that blends in with the rest of the wall which reduces the visibility of the repair. Feathering the edges involves using a putty knife to apply a thin layer of joint compound in a sweeping motion to spread the compound out from the edges of the patch. The goal is to create a gradual transition from the patch to the surrounding wall with no noticeable transition or bumps. Feathering the edges is an important step in ensuring a professional-looking repair.
The final process in all drywall repairs is to sand, prime, and paint the area you repair. If it has been a few years since you painted the wall you’re repairing, your new paint may not match the existing paint. In that case, you’ll probably need to paint the whole wall and perhaps even the whole room. But if you want the wall to look like new, you may have to go the extra mile at the end of your drywall repair journey.
Now, let’s go over the most common methods to patch drywall.
1. Patching Small Holes in Drywall
Small holes, such as those created by picture hangers or door knobs, are easy to fix. For this type of repair, you will need:
Drywall joint compound
Drywall tape
Sandpaper
A putty knife
Start by cleaning the area around the hole with a dry cloth. Then, use a putty knife to apply a small amount of joint compound over the hole. Next, place a piece of drywall tape over the joint compound and smooth it down with the putty knife. Apply another layer of joint compound over the tape making sure to feather the edges. Once the joint compound dries, sand the area smooth and prime and paint as desired.
2. Patching for Larger Holes
For holes that are larger than a few inches in diameter, a drywall patch is needed. The following items are required:
Drywall patch
Drywall joint compound
Drywall tape
Sandpaper
A putty knife
To fix a larger hole, first, cut a piece of drywall that is slightly larger than the hole and insert it into the hole. Secure the drywall patch to the wall with drywall screws. Then, use a putty knife to apply a thin layer of joint compound over the patch and around the edges of the hole. Place drywall tape over the joint compound and apply another layer of joint compound over the tape feathering the edges. After the joint compound dries, sand the area smooth, prime it, and paint.
3. Fixing Drywall Cracks
Cracks in drywall can be caused by a variety of factors such as settling, moisture damage, or impact. To repair cracks, you will need:
Drywall joint compound
Drywall tape
Sandpaper
A putty knife
Begin by cleaning the area around the crack with a dry cloth. Then, use a putty knife to apply a thin layer of joint compound over the crack. Place drywall tape over the joint compound and smooth it down with the putty knife. Apply another layer of joint compound over the tape, feathering the edges. Once the joint compound dries, sand, prime, and paint.
4. Dents and Dings in Drywall
Dents in drywall can occur from furniture or other objects impacting the wall. To repair dents, you will need:
Hot water
A clothes iron
A clean cloth
Fill a kettle with water and bring it to a boil. Then, dip a clean cloth into the hot water and place it over the dent. Use a clothes iron to apply heat to the cloth which will help to soften the drywall and raise the dent. Repeat this process until the dent is raised to the desired level. Once the dent is raised, sand the area smooth, prime, and paint as desired.
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