Drywall repair is easy enough to perform, but also can be tricky if you have never done it before. An inexperienced person performing a drywall fix can very easily mess up the mixture or apply the coating incorrectly, resulting in lumpy patches that stick out like a sore thumb. A professional can do it if you have any trouble. If you have some drywall that needs fixing, there are some steps you should take to ensure the job you do is the best it can be. Before going about your project, proper preparation must be made. Use the following guide before starting any drywall project.
Gather Your Tools
You will need some sort of beginning kit before starting out. The proper tools are easy enough to gather together. You will need three flexible knives, with widths of three inches, six inches, and eight inches. You will also need an inside corner knife, some sort of utility knife, a hammer, a screwdriver, a drywall saw, and a drill. If your repair is more serious, you may also need to acquire a hacksaw, a hand sander, a nail bar, and a level, but usually the repair is simple enough.
Once you get all the tools together, you will need to get the drywall materials. These consist of drywall compound, mesh tape, paper tape, drywall nails, and screws. These materials will take care of most repairs.
Perform the Repair
Draw a square around the area you need to repair. Using the drywall saw, cut three sides of the square, taking care to remove the debris so it doesn’t fall into the wall. Over the stud, cut the drywall away using your utility knife. Use a piece of strong wood as a backing for the repair, and a strong adhesive to it sticks to the wall. C-clamps should help with fastening the backing. Wait for the adhesive to dry, then screw on a fitted repair panel with drywall screws. Apply the mesh tape over the seams, overlapping at the corners, then apply the drywall compound over the tape with one of your flexible knives. Sand down the dried compound with a hand sander to get it smooth, then you will want to apply several more skim coats of the drywall compound, sanding the final coat to ensure a smooth wall. This should take care of the repair.
Don’t Forget Safety
When doing the project, do not forget to practice safe working conditions. Keep children away from the compounds and be sure to clean up any dust that lingers after sanding. This can be an irritant and can negatively impact your family. If you follow proper precautions, you should have no problems with the project.