Fixing a rip or tear in drywall is a smaller job than repairing an actual crack like this one
A small tear in the surface of drywall can become a big pain if it's not repaired while still just a small rip. Furniture touching the wall can make the small tear into a large gouge. A high traffic area with people walking by can make the drywall rip into a drywall hole.
Repairing the rip or tear in the surface paper of drywall can be accomplished in a few hours. In just a few steps, you can repair those unsightly rips and tears in your drywall and make your walls look new again.
Instructions
Fix a Small Rip or Tear in Drywall
1. A renewable razor knife is the perfect tool to start your drywall rip repair
Cut the ripped drywall paper with the razor blade or the utility knife. With the knife at about 45 degrees, cut a slight groove into the drywall. You need to make a small groove so you'll have a place for the repair compound to bond with the drywall.
2. Remove all the dust from the groove by blowing or vacuuming it out. It's important to clean the groove of loose dust and paper, so you'll have a clean surface and the repair compound bonds well with the wall.
3. Use the flexible putty knife to fill the groove with the repair compound or spackle. Remove excess compound by gently running the putty knife along the repair. Pull the knife down along the groove, taking care not to remove too much of the compound. Smooth the compound until it is level with the drywall.
4. Let the compound or spackle dry completely. The product directions should give you a good idea of how long this will take depending on the humidity.
5. Sand the repair smooth with the sanding block or damp sponge. Take care not to get the repaired area too wet if using a damp sponge.
6. Paint the repaired drywall rip to match the wall. If you don't have leftover paint or if the paint is old and faded, you may have to paint the entire wall to get a good result.
Related posts
Wallpaper liner is notoriously difficult to remove from drywall. It often rips the paper surface of the drywall, causing damage that must be repaired. This process is not difficult, but it is labo...
Repair a Drywall CrackDrywall cracks can occur for any number of reasons. Over the years homes begin to settle sometimes causing cracks around the corners of doors and windows or where columns sup...
It's possible to repair outer paper tears and other drywall problems.A material found in residential and commercial structures, drywall is a type of wallboard that contains multiple layers and is...
Repair drywall with joint compound after wallpaper removal.Removing wallpaper may result in damage to the underlying drywall. If the wallpaper was poorly installed, or installed without using the...
Repair hairline cracks in drywall.Even imperceptible shifting of a house foundation may result in small hairline cracks in the drywall. The most common areas for cracks are above the corners of do...
