Here are contractor Chris McGimsie’s instructions for repairing damage to your drywall.
Guide to repairing drywall damage
What you need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- Drywall saw
- Drill
- Scrap pieces of drywall
- Drywall screws
- Scrap pieces of wood
- Mesh tape
- Premixed drywall mud
Method:
1. Using your tape measure and pencil, straight-edge and draw a square around the damaged section of drywall.
2. Using a keyhole saw, cut out the section of wall along lines drawn in the previous step.
3. Now, measure and cut a square of drywall from your scrape piece, that will be equal to that which has been cut from the section of wall.
4. Using two pieces of scrap wood and drywall screws attach the wood to the back side of the existing drywall. Screw through the drywall, and into the wood behind it.
5. After you have secured your wood strapping behind the existing drywall, screw the new piece of scrap drywall onto your wood strapping with drywall screws.
6. Apply the mesh tape over the drywall patch seam, then apply a thin coat of premixed drywall mud. Allow the first coat of mud to dry completely before lightly sanding.
*In most cases you will need at least three coats of mud before the repair is complete
Notes:
- Be careful how much mud you apply in each coat. Less is more in this case!
- More mud means more sanding and more dust to clean up.
- Remember to feather out each coat to achieve a seamless look, and prime the repaired sections of wall prior to repainting.
