How to Patch Drywall Fast and How Much I Charge For it!, by Vancouver Carpenter on YouTube. 12 min 57 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 57 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Turn off power to any outlets near the hole at the breaker. Cut away loose, crumbly drywall around the damage with a utility knife until you reach solid board.
Square the hole with a straightedge and knife so the edges are clean and vertical. Measure the opening and cut a drywall patch slightly smaller than the hole.
Test fit the patch. If the hole is large, screw a scrap of plywood behind it as backing, then screw the patch to that backing.
Press paper tape over the seams around the patch. Bed the tape into a thin layer of joint compound with a 4 inch knife.
Load your mud pan and spread a second thin coat over the tape with a 6 inch knife. Feather the edges so the compound fades into the wall.
Let the compound dry fully, then scrape off high spots. Apply a wider finish coat with a trowel or 6 inch knife and feather it out again.
Sand the dried compound smooth with foam backed sandpaper on a block or pole sander. Keep the paper moving and check for ridges with your hand.
Wipe off dust with a damp cloth. Prime the patch, then paint to match the wall.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep each coat thinner and wider than the last so you sand less.
Don't overfill the seams or you will create bumps that show under paint.
Wear a dust mask and eye protection when sanding drywall.
Let each coat dry completely before adding the next one.
Questions
Can I patch a hole without a drywall patch kit?
Yes. A scrap of drywall cut to fit the squared hole works fine, especially with a plywood backing behind it.
How many coats of compound do I need?
Plan on three thin coats: one to bed the tape, one to cover it and one wider finish coat. More thin coats beat one thick coat.
Do I have to prime before painting?
Yes. Joint compound soaks up paint unevenly, so prime the patch first or the paint will look blotchy.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
