For large areas of damage, replace the entire drywall panel.
Walls made from drywall panels are standard in residential and commercial construction projects, but exposure to moisture, an impact or gouging from a sharp object can damage drywall. When the damage is extensive, you may want to replace one or more panels, instead of just patching the drywall. This is a not a difficult project, but if you're replacing overhead panels, you'll need a drywall lift and an assistant.
Instructions
Remove and Replace a Panel
1. Remove the old panel by prying it away from the studs beneath. The panel will likely come off in pieces and you'll have to use a nail bar or a drill to remove the nails or screws that held the panel in place.
2. Scrape off old drywall adhesive from the wall studs.
3. Apply a thick line of drywall adhesive on the studs where the new panel will go. Drywall adhesive comes in large tubes.
4. Position a new drywall panel in the same spot where you removed the old panel. Drywall "breaks" on the center of the studs, meaning the edge of every drywall panel must fit exactly on the middle of a stud. Cut the new panel, if necessary, to match the dimensions of the old panel.
5. Attach the new panel to the studs with drywall screws about 8 inches apart. Insert screws not only on the edges of the drywall, but also on the studs that run beneath the rest of the panel.
Tape and Mud
6. Scoop up about 1/2 cup of joint compound with a 6-inch drywall-taping knife, and smooth the compound into the seams that surround the new panel. Use gentle pressure to coax the compound into the joints.
7. Cut pieces of drywall tape about 2 inches shorter than each new seam, and position each piece over a seam while the joint compound is still wet. Do not overlap the ends of the tape.
8. Smooth the tape into place with the taping knife.
9. Add more joint compound to the top of the drywall tape, and smooth it evenly with the surface of the wall.
10. Switch to a 10-inch drywall-taping knife and further smooth out the joint compound. The wider knife spreads the damp compound even more, feathering out the edges and giving your seam a flatter appearance.
Sand the Drywall
11. Sand the seams, with a drywall sander, when the joint compound is completely dry.
12. Apply another very thin coat of joint compound, using only the 10-inch taping knife, and let it dry. Joint compound tends to shrink slightly as it dries, so multiple very thin applications are better than one thick application. Sand between each coat.
13. Sand your wall smooth after the final application of compound dries and you're ready to paint your wall.
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