Difference between revisions of "Do Drywall Repair"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Choosing Drywall Repair Supplies=== | ===Choosing Drywall Repair Supplies=== | ||
| − | #Purchase a joint compound. The two commonly available joint compounds are lightweight and all-purpose. Lightweight compound dries quicker than all-purpose and requires less sanding.<ref>http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Home-Repair/Drywall-Repair/how-to-repair-holes-in-drywall/Step-By-Step</ref> | + | #Purchase a joint compound. The two commonly available joint compounds are lightweight and all-purpose. Lightweight compound dries quicker than all-purpose and requires less sanding.<ref name="rf1">http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Home-Repair/Drywall-Repair/how-to-repair-holes-in-drywall/Step-By-Step</ref> |
#* Joint compound comes in a variety of container sizes, but be advised that smaller containers may cost just as much as the larger ones. If resealed properly, joint compound can be kept for up to 9 months for other around-the-house repairs if you end up with leftover compound. | #* Joint compound comes in a variety of container sizes, but be advised that smaller containers may cost just as much as the larger ones. If resealed properly, joint compound can be kept for up to 9 months for other around-the-house repairs if you end up with leftover compound. | ||
#Get compound applicators and sanders. A joint knife and a metal straightedge will enable you to apply the joint compound smoothly and scrape away the excess, so the repair job will look professional instead of lumpy or uneven. Get a sanding sponge to even out the surface after the joint compound has dried. | #Get compound applicators and sanders. A joint knife and a metal straightedge will enable you to apply the joint compound smoothly and scrape away the excess, so the repair job will look professional instead of lumpy or uneven. Get a sanding sponge to even out the surface after the joint compound has dried. | ||
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#*Be sure to remove the extra compound, so that the area won't have bumps once the the substance dries. | #*Be sure to remove the extra compound, so that the area won't have bumps once the the substance dries. | ||
#*Check the area it it dries to determine if the dent has been completely filled. You may need to apply a second coat if the joint compound shrinks as it dries. | #*Check the area it it dries to determine if the dent has been completely filled. You may need to apply a second coat if the joint compound shrinks as it dries. | ||
| − | #Sand the area. Use a sponge sander or another fine sander to gently blend the area with the surrounding wall space after the joint compound has completely dried. You can also use a dampened sponge to smooth the edges.<ref>http://www.lowes.com/cd_Patch+and+Repair+Drywall_498789296_</ref> | + | #Sand the area. Use a sponge sander or another fine sander to gently blend the area with the surrounding wall space after the joint compound has completely dried. You can also use a dampened sponge to smooth the edges.<ref name="rf2">http://www.lowes.com/cd_Patch+and+Repair+Drywall_498789296_</ref> |
#Prime the area. Joint compounds are relatively porous, so it's necessary to prime the repaired area before you paint it. Otherwise, the paint will look different from the surrounding area. | #Prime the area. Joint compounds are relatively porous, so it's necessary to prime the repaired area before you paint it. Otherwise, the paint will look different from the surrounding area. | ||
#*Use a primer that matches the paint color. If possible, use the same one you originally used to paint the wall. | #*Use a primer that matches the paint color. If possible, use the same one you originally used to paint the wall. | ||
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#Paint over the repair. Once the primer is dry, use a soft cloth to paint over the area with the wall paint. Work gently and use strokes similar to the strokes you used to paint the surrounding wall so that the paint will look blended after it has dried. | #Paint over the repair. Once the primer is dry, use a soft cloth to paint over the area with the wall paint. Work gently and use strokes similar to the strokes you used to paint the surrounding wall so that the paint will look blended after it has dried. | ||
===Patching a Nail Hole=== | ===Patching a Nail Hole=== | ||
| − | #Remove the loose edges. If parts of the drywall are sticking out from when the nail was removed, gently scrape them off or push them into the hole. Make sure the edges of the hole are flush with the wall, so there won't be any bumps or lumps after you repair the area.<ref | + | #Remove the loose edges. If parts of the drywall are sticking out from when the nail was removed, gently scrape them off or push them into the hole. Make sure the edges of the hole are flush with the wall, so there won't be any bumps or lumps after you repair the area.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Fill the hole with joint compound. Load the joint knife with joint compound and push the compound into the hole. Scrape away the excess compound by holding the knife at a ninety-degree angle from the wall and running it over the surface of the hole.<ref | + | #Fill the hole with joint compound. Load the joint knife with joint compound and push the compound into the hole. Scrape away the excess compound by holding the knife at a ninety-degree angle from the wall and running it over the surface of the hole.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Try not to get joint compound on the wall surrounding the hole, since it will dry and affect the paint in the area. Load the knife with only as much compound as you need to fill the hole. | #*Try not to get joint compound on the wall surrounding the hole, since it will dry and affect the paint in the area. Load the knife with only as much compound as you need to fill the hole. | ||
#*If you get joint compound on the wall area surrounding the nail as you work, wipe it away with a damp cloth. | #*If you get joint compound on the wall area surrounding the nail as you work, wipe it away with a damp cloth. | ||
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#Prime and paint the area. For a perfectly seamless repair, use a soft cloth to dab a bit of primer over the repaired area. When it's dry, use another cloth to dab wall paint over the area. | #Prime and paint the area. For a perfectly seamless repair, use a soft cloth to dab a bit of primer over the repaired area. When it's dry, use another cloth to dab wall paint over the area. | ||
===Patching a Larger Hole=== | ===Patching a Larger Hole=== | ||
| − | #Check for wires. If the hole is close to an electrical outlet or phone line, make sure you check inside it so you don't hit any wires while you work.<ref | + | #Check for wires. If the hole is close to an electrical outlet or phone line, make sure you check inside it so you don't hit any wires while you work.<ref name="rf1" /> Feel around the hole with your hands, or peer inside using a flashlight. |
#*If you find a wire, take note of where it is located and plan to work carefully around it when you repair the hole. | #*If you find a wire, take note of where it is located and plan to work carefully around it when you repair the hole. | ||
#Cut a rectangle. Use a ruler and a level to measure and draw a rectangle around the perimeter of the hole, then cut it out using a utility knife or drywall saw. This will enable you to neatly patch the hole with a piece of drywall the precise size you need, rather than making an irregular patch. | #Cut a rectangle. Use a ruler and a level to measure and draw a rectangle around the perimeter of the hole, then cut it out using a utility knife or drywall saw. This will enable you to neatly patch the hole with a piece of drywall the precise size you need, rather than making an irregular patch. | ||
| − | #Add backer boards. Cut the backer boards about {{convert|4|in|cm|1}} longer than the height of the hole. Line the first backer board vertically along the left edge of the hole. Use one hand to hold it in place tightly while using a drill to screw two drywall screws through the intact drywall just below the hole, and two through the drywall just above the hole. Use the same technique to install another backer board along the right edge of the hole.<ref | + | #Add backer boards. Cut the backer boards about {{convert|4|in|cm|1}} longer than the height of the hole. Line the first backer board vertically along the left edge of the hole. Use one hand to hold it in place tightly while using a drill to screw two drywall screws through the intact drywall just below the hole, and two through the drywall just above the hole. Use the same technique to install another backer board along the right edge of the hole.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Pine or other soft wood backer boards work well for repairing drywall, since they're easy to screw into. | #*Pine or other soft wood backer boards work well for repairing drywall, since they're easy to screw into. | ||
#*Be sure to hold the boards in such a way that the screws won't scratch or puncture your hands when they pop through the backer boards. | #*Be sure to hold the boards in such a way that the screws won't scratch or puncture your hands when they pop through the backer boards. | ||
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#*Most hardware and home goods stores sell scraps of drywall in different shapes and sizes. Look for one large enough to patch your hole so you don't have to buy a complete sheet of drywall, which will probably be more than you need. | #*Most hardware and home goods stores sell scraps of drywall in different shapes and sizes. Look for one large enough to patch your hole so you don't have to buy a complete sheet of drywall, which will probably be more than you need. | ||
#Tape the joints. Load a joint knife with joint compound and apply it to joints, the seams where the patch and the wall connect. Quickly apply paper tape to the joints and use a taping knife to smooth the tape into place, making sure there are no bubbles or lumps. Apply a second coating of joint compound and let it dry. | #Tape the joints. Load a joint knife with joint compound and apply it to joints, the seams where the patch and the wall connect. Quickly apply paper tape to the joints and use a taping knife to smooth the tape into place, making sure there are no bubbles or lumps. Apply a second coating of joint compound and let it dry. | ||
| − | #*You can add a little water to the compound to thin it out, making it easier to spread and feather out along the wall for even blending.<ref | + | #*You can add a little water to the compound to thin it out, making it easier to spread and feather out along the wall for even blending.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Be sure to remove excess compound as you go, so that the transition between the patch and the wall is as smooth as possible. Pull the taping knife in one direction. | #*Be sure to remove excess compound as you go, so that the transition between the patch and the wall is as smooth as possible. Pull the taping knife in one direction. | ||
#*Laying the tape evenly can be tricky. It's worth starting over if you lay it crookedly, since the tape is important for blending the patch with the wall. | #*Laying the tape evenly can be tricky. It's worth starting over if you lay it crookedly, since the tape is important for blending the patch with the wall. | ||
