Figuring Out
Drywall Repair is Easy to Do
Drywall is a great way to add value to your home. However, it is also susceptible to damage, especially in places where it is exposed to high levels of moisture or heavy use.
A few simple repairs can make a big difference in the overall appearance and feel of your home. Repairing drywall can be one of the most satisfying home improvement projects to do, and it is not too difficult for almost anyone to accomplish if they are willing to work hard.
What You Need for Drywall Repair
There are a few tools you need to get started, but all of them are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. You can buy most of them at your local hardware store or home improvement center.
Glue Gun
You’ll need a good quality glue gun to apply the drywall compound. It’s important to use a good quality glue gun because it will allow you to apply the compound without damaging the drywall paper. You’ll also need some drywall tape, which you can find at your local hardware store or home improvement center.
Drywall Joint Tape
You can purchase a variety of tapes to use for drywall repair, including fiberglass tape and paper tape. Fiberglass tape is a little stronger than paper tape, but it’s harder to use in corners. It also takes a bit longer to apply, so it’s best to use it only when the hole is relatively small and you don’t have much time.
Drywall Compound
You need to use a variety of drywall compound to repair drywall, and it’s a good idea to get the right type for your project. Some are specifically designed for repairing drywall, while others are more general purpose and can be used to repair most surfaces. You can use either the pre-mixed type or a dry-mix type, which comes in powder form and must be mixed with water before applying it.
Using Drywall Compound
You’ll want to fill holes in drywall with a thick layer of drywall compound. If the hole is very small, you can just use a dab of drywall compound, but if it’s larger, then you’ll need to apply a few layers. The drywall compound will be thin enough to cover the hole but thick enough to give you confidence that your patch will hold up.
When the first coat of drywall compound has dried, you can use your putty knife to press the edges of the patch to the wall so they will bond. Once you have pressed the edges, spread another layer of compound over the patch and let it dry.
After the second coat of drywall compound has dried, you should be ready to paint. Just make sure to sand the patch after the paint has dried so that it is smooth and even with the rest of the wall.
Drywall Holes
There are many different kinds of holes in drywall, and they can be anything from a tiny nail hole to a deep crack. The easiest way to repair a hole is by using a drywall patch kit. These kits are usually sold at your local hardware store or home improvement center, and come with a self-adhering mesh patch that covers the hole.