How to patch and repair drywall, by Evan and Katelyn on YouTube. 6 min 57 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 57 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Clean the hole and the wall around it. Scrape away loose paper and crumbled gypsum with a putty knife so the patch has something solid to grip.
For small holes, press spackle into the hole with a small putty knife. Drag the blade flat across the surface to leave it level with the wall.
For medium holes, stick a self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole. Spread joint compound over it with the putty knife, feathering the edges thin.
For big holes, cut a drywall offcut slightly larger than the hole. Hold it against the wall, trace around it with a pencil and cut the opening to that line with a utility knife.
Score and snap the patch piece to size, then test the fit in the opening. Screw it to the studs or use a patch clip if no stud crosses the hole.
Cover the seams with mesh tape. Press it flat, then spread joint compound over the tape and let it dry fully.
For damaged corners, spray adhesive on drywall corner tape and press it into the corner. Coat it with joint compound and feather both sides.
Sand each dried coat with 150 grit paper on a sanding block until it feels flush with the wall. Wipe off the dust.
Spray primer over the patches and let it dry. Then paint the wall with an angled brush at the edges and a roller across the field.
Tips and common mistakes
Apply two or three thin coats of joint compound instead of one thick coat, letting each dry before the next.
Feather the compound well past the patch edge so you do not see a ridge under the paint.
Sand lightly and wear a dust mask, since drywall dust gets everywhere.
Prime bare compound before painting or the patch will soak up paint and show as a dull spot.
Questions
Do I need to use mesh tape on a small hole?
No. Small holes under about an inch can be filled with spackle alone. Use mesh tape or a patch once the hole is wider than that.
How long does joint compound take to dry?
Light patching compound dries in about 30 minutes. Standard joint compound usually needs several hours, so plan to sand and paint the next day.
Can I patch drywall without studs behind the hole?
Yes. For a large hole with no stud, use a drywall repair clip or glue a backer strip inside the hole and screw the patch to it.
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.
