Learn How to Patch a Hole in Drywall
Learn How to Patch a Hole in Drywall whether its big or small in this drywall repair tutorial. You can do this easy home maintenance project.
Hey Everyone!
How many times have we found ourselves with a hole in the wall for some reason or another? I mean the door opens and ‘Bam!’, the doorknob slams right into the wall creating this big hole. Here’s a recap of Wednesday night’s LIVE DIY where I show you how to repair small dents and holes to larger holes in the wall.
Tools
- Drill
- Drywall Saw
- Tape measure
- Dust Mask
- Utility Knife
- Goggles
- Stud Finer with Utility indicator
- Putty knife
- Scissors
Materials
- DAP wall repair patch kit
- Drywall tape
- Furring strips
- Drywall Sand paper or sponge
- Joint compound or DAP Drydex Spackling (This spackle is great because it has a dry time indicator. You know its dry when it turns white.)
- Drywall screws or Spax screws
First start out by putting on your safety gear. Safety goggles are a must for any project. Keep a dust mask at hand for the sanding phase.
Tiny Holes and Dents
- Scrap away any loose drywall paper and debris from the damaged area. If you have a popped screw, use a drill to screw the drywal screw back into place. It should be sunk beneath the drywall. Using the DAP Drydex Spackling cover the hole or dent using the putty knife. Allow time to dry. May require an additional coat of Spackle/joint compound to fully cover of fill the hole.
- Once all coats are dry sand to smooth surface.
Small to Medium Size Holes
- Prepare the surface by wiping away any dust, debris or hanging pieces of drywall.
- Apply the patch. These drywall patches come in 4″x4″, 6″x6″ and 8″x8″ squares.
- Apply the Joint compound or DAP Drydex Spackling. Apply as smooth as possible to reduce the amount of sanding needed once its done. And allow the spackle to dry.
- Repeat step 3 three to 4 times until the area is fully covered.
- To finish the surface sand with about a 100 grit drywall sand paper or sanding sponge until wall is smooth.
Large Holes
These are typically holes that are larger than 6 to 8 inches. You’ll create a drywall patch using a piece of gypsum 
board or drywall. You can find 2’x2′ pieces at your local hardware store for about $5. Also this is where the stud finder with utility indicator comes into play. Check for the location of studs and to see if there are any utilities behind the damaged area. You don’t want to accidentally cut into any wiring.
- Cut a piece of drywall (scoring the drywall on the back side with the utility knife) into a square that is a little bit bigger than the hole that you are going to cover.
- Trace the area around the opening with the square you cut in step 1.
- Cut out the area you outlined using the drywall saw and utility knife. (Note the utility razor blades and drywall saw dulls quickly when cutting drywall.)
A dull razor or drywall saw will cause more damage to the drywall. Make sure your blades are sharp. 
4. If there the hole is in between two studs cut and attach furring strips inside the wall at each end of the hole. Using a counter sink screw like a Spax screw, sink the screw beneath the surface of the drywall.
5. Set the drywall in place screwing it to the furring strips. Remember all screws should be counter sunk or beneath the drywall.
6. Apply the joint tape around the opening.
7. Apply spackle or joint compound. Cover the entire patch and tape, feathering the edges. Allow it to dry.
8. Repeat step 7 three to 4 times until it is fully covered.
7. Once fully covered sand smooth.
8. Wipe down the area with a damp cloth once done.
Now your ready to prime and paint the area.
Till Next Time! ~ T.
