Here's an assortment of tips you may find helpful when repairing holes in drywall. From small holes to larger ones, the methods vary, and we will explore tips for repairing a variety of sizes to help you get the job done, while also getting a professional-looking result without the expense of hiring a contractor.
Tools of the Trade
The first things you will need are the tools of the trade. A good job starts with good tools. You will need a drywall pan, which is used to mix and hold the mud; a set of drywall knives of various sizes; a keyhole saw; razor knife; screws; piece of wood or shims; drywall mud, either premixed or fast-setting; drywall tape; sandpaper; and quite possibly some drywall depending on the size of the hole you are repairing.
Using the Tools
It is important to always keep your pan and knives clean while using them. Do not allow drywall mud to dry in your pan or on your knives, because the dried bits and pieces of mud will affect the appearance of your work by leaving scratches or grooves in the repaired area. This is especially true when using fast-setting mud. Four setting times for fast mud are available; they are 5 minutes, 20 minutes, 45 minutes and 90 minutes. Choose the one that best fits your repair. Professionals prefer 45-minute mud because it gives them more time to work with it, and there is usually more than one hole to repair. Once the mud starts to thicken up, it is best to clean your pan and knives immediately because the longer the mud sets, the harder it is to clean. This is especially true in regards to mud in the drywall pan.
The Repair
Small holes require minimal work. Using a smaller knife provides the best results. Apply the mud to the hole and wipe it back flat. Apply mud and drywall tape wherever there is a visible crack, and then apply more drywall mud. You may need to let it set and apply more mud if the tape is still visible. Always sand the patch between coats to ensure a smooth surface and for best results. Be sure not to leave any ridges when doing so. If this occurs you will have to sand the ridge flat before painting, or you will get a poor result.
Larger holes may require drywall tape and/or drywall. If the hole is larger than a doorknob, installing a small piece of drywall is recommended. Take your keyhole saw and cut around the hole to make it square. Next cut the drywall to be installed to a size just smaller than the hole, so that it fits snugly but does not have to be forced. Sometimes a brace or piece of wood is needed to support the drywall you are installing. A good method is to cut the wood longer than the hole. Insert the wood inside the opening in the wall so that the wood straddles the hole; secure it with screws from the outside through the existing drywall; then insert your piece of drywall and secure it to the wood using screws. Finish the repair by applying mud and drywall tape, as mentioned above, while not forgetting to also apply mud to the screws you inserted into the drywall.
Finishing Touches
Last but not least is to apply texture to the repair. Your local home improvement store will offer various types of texture in spray cans to suit your needs. Match the wall texture around your repair to the proper product. A couple of different texture types are orange peel or knock down. Feathering the area around your patch with sandpaper will provide a better result before you apply the texture material.
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