- Large Holes or water damaged areas (greater than 3”diameter)
- Begin by finding the studs or joist on either side of the hole.
- Then draw a square around the area going to the inside edge of the studs you found above.
- Cut out the square using a drywall saw. Trim with a razor knife. Take your time in this to avoid letting drywall fall into the space in the wall.
- Cut the repair panel or extra piece of drywall to fit the square that you made.
- Cut 2x2 or 2x4 cleats to fit to the inside edge of the studs at the edges of the opening. Make the cleats a few inches longer than the length of the opening. Install them using 3” screws to hold them in place. Use one screw every four to six inches.
- Put your piece of new drywall in place and attach it using drywall screws to the cleats.
- Apply fiberglass mesh tape over the seams of the hole. Overlapping your tape at the corners is recommended.
- Use a drywall knife to apply a thin layer of compound over the taped seams.
- Allow to dry and then lightly sand smooth the compound placed over the seams.
- Apply 3-4 thin coats over the seams and allow to fully dry between coats. After the first coat sand over the area on the last coat only.
- Paint to match.
- Exposed Nails & Screws
- If noticing an exposed nail or screw, begin by using a utility knife to scrape away the compound on the area.
- Use a screwdriver or hammer to tighten the screw or nail back into the stud.
- Take a drywall knife and apply 3-4 light coats of compound over the screw or nail. Allow to dry between each coat.
- Or use Spackling and apply 1-2 coats and lightly sand the last coat. (note; using a moist paper towel or sponge to smooth over just after applying spackling reduces sanding)
- Sand over the area after your final coat.
- Paint to match.
- Outside Corners
- Begin by taking a metal saw or hacksaw to cut the damaged section of corner bead. Be careful not to cut into the drywall.
- Take a crow bar and pry the corner bead away from the corner.
- Measure and cut a new piece of corner bead to place in the exposed area.
- Nail the new corner bead into the area.
- Apply 3-4 light coats of drywall compound over the corner bead using a drywall knife.
- Allow to dry between each coat and then sand over the area following the final coat.
- Paint to match.
- Inside Corners
- Remove the damaged piece of drywall tape using a utility knife. Cut and peel, you will need to repeat this all along the area you are removing.
- Apply a thin layer of compound to the area. Do not allow the area to dry.
- Take a new piece of paper drywall tape, fold it in half lengthwise and place into the wet drywall compound.
- Use an inside corner drywall knife to smooth the tape into the compound.
- Allow to dry and then add another 2 to 3 thin coats of compound. Sand over the area following the final coat of compound.
- Paint to match.
- Cracks
- Begin with an abrasive foam block and begin to smooth over the cracked area.
- Apply 2-3 light coats of joint compound over the crack.
- Allow to dry after each coat and sand over the area following the last coat.
- Paint to match.
- Optional Method 1: Purchase a spray elastic crack coating over the cracked area.
- Optional Method 2: Apply one coat of spackling using a wet sponge or paper towel to smooth over crack. Let dry and lightly sand. Paint to match.
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