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Patch Drywall Holes Just In Time For The Holidays
The walls of your house are subject to accidents involving moving furniture, rambunctious children and even the occasional clumsy party guest. With the holidays fast approaching now is a perfect time to patch and/or repair them.
Luckily, drywall is easily mended, leaving virtually no evidence of repair. True Value has the step-by-step advice and products you need to bandage holes in your drywall and make your walls holiday-ready in no time at all.
Repairing Small Holes (up to 6'')
Repairing Large Holes (6-12'')
Repairing Holes Larger than 12''
Repairing Small Holes (up to 6'')
Step 1. Cut a Square or Rectangular Shape
With a keyhole saw, cut the hole into a square or rectangular shape. Now cut a replacement piece of drywall 2'' longer and 2'' wider than the hole you just made.
Step 2. Make a Bandage
Lay the replacement piece of drywall on a flat surface with the backside facing up. Measure in 1'' from all four edges and draw a line. This should form a shape the size of the hole. Using a straight edge and utility knife, cut through the backside paper and the drywall gypsum but not the front-facing layer of paper.
Using a putty knife, peel away the backside paper and gypsum layer. Be careful not to tear the front-facing paper. The smaller part of the ''bandage'' should fit into the hole. The paper edge should extend 1'' beyond the hole.
Helpful Tip:
- If the patch isn't a perfect fit, place it against the hole and trim to size with a utility knife.
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Step 3. Apply Joint Compound
Apply a thin layer of joint compound around the hole. Place your ''bandage'' into the hole. Using a putty knife, work the paper edge down into the compound. Feather the edges of the compound and allow it to dry. Sand lightly and apply a second layer of compound to finish the repair.
Repairing Large Holes (6 – 12'')
Step 1. Square Off the Hole
Holes up to 12'' require a slightly different repair that provides more support. Again use a keyhole saw to form the hole into a square or a rectangle.
Step 2. Make a Larger Patch
Cut a piece of wallboard that's 2'' larger than the hole to be repaired. Drill two small holes through this piece of board, feed some string through and tie a stick to it. Allow for about 8" between the board and the stick.
Step 3. Place the Patch
Apply a smooth coat of cement adhesive around the edges of the piece of wallboard material. Insert the bandage into the hole and position it so the cement adhesive firmly grips the solid area around the rear of the hole. Turn the stick clockwise, twisting the string and increasing pressure against the patch board at the rear of the hole. This will hold the board firmly in place until the cement adhesive dries.
Helpful Tip:
- To make it easier to insert the wallboard material through the hole, be sure to hold it an angle.
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Step 4: Fill the Hole
Allow the cement adhesive to thoroughly dry then fill in the area with joint compound. Smooth out the area then let the patch dry thoroughly.
Helpful Tip:
- You may need to apply two or three layers of joint compound to build up the patched area. Always allow each layer to dry before applying another.
- Let the stick and string remain where they are during the patching process. You can remove both just before the material dries.
Step 5. Add Finishing Touches
When the area is completely dry, sand off any high spots and apply a coat of EasyCare® primer and paint in any finish you choose. Use a fine grade of sandpaper and a sanding block for the finish sanding work.
Repairing Holes Larger Than 12''
Got really large drywall holes? You'll need to create a support brace to hold the patch securely.
Step 1. Cut the Brace
Cut two pieces of 2x4 to a length about 8'' longer than the diameter of the hole. These will be used to form your support brace.
Step 2. Apply Cement Adhesive
Apply cement adhesive to one piece of 2x4 and then insert it through the hole. Hold it parallel in front of the drywall and use a piece of heavy cord to tie it to the other piece of 2x4.
Step 3. Allow Cement Adhesive to Dry
Allow both 2x4 pieces to remain tied in this position for about an hour, or until the cement adhesive is fully dry.
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Step 4. Remove Support Piece
Next, untie the cord and remove the supporting piece of 2x4 that you placed in front of the wallboard. The cement adhesive will hold the rear piece of 2x4 firmly in position, providing a support brace for the wall patch.
Step 5. Cut a Patch Block
Now cut a patch block to the exact dimensions of the sawed-out area. The block will be slightly smaller than the hole itself, but be sure to cut it to fit as tightly as possible.
Step 6. Apply Cement Adhesive
Apply cement adhesive to the back of the patch block and the support brace, then place the patch into position in the hole.
Step 7. Apply Joint Compound
Use a firm putty knife or patching spatula to apply joint compound all around the patch board.
Step 8. Scrape Away Excess
Work the patch compound thoroughly into all cracks. Scrape away any excess material and allow the patched area to dry completely.
Step 9. Sand the Surface
When the area has completely dried, use a regular sanding block and a piece of fine sandpaper to sand away any high areas on the patched surface.
Step 10. Prime the Wall
A primer coat can now be applied to prepare the wall for painting.
Step 11. Paint
Use the same color paint to touch up or choose a new color.
Congratulations, you've restored your walls to their original smooth, flawless appearance. Now you're ready for the holidays!
For more projects, go to TrueValue.com. >
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