| Repairing Wallboard |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-504 |
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Q: I have a hole in my drywall from the doorknob hitting the wall. How do I repair it?
A: (from DIY home-repair specialist, Brad Staggs) Holes and damage in drywall (figure A) are common problems that are surprisingly easy to fix, and require little in the way of tools and materials. Check your home center for drywall patch kits (figure B). You may choose to purchase an all-in-one repair kit kit, or you may simply want to check with the specialist in your home center for the materials you might need. You'll need drywall tape (figure C), drywall compound, sandpaper, and possibly some other materials depending on the size of the damaged area. Here are some suggestions for materials and steps necessary to repair a small hole -- or a larger hole -- in your drywall. Materials: Drywall tape
Drywall knife
Utility knife
Drywall sander and sandpaper
Drywall-repair compound (a.k.a., drywall mud) For a larger repair, you may also need:
Extra piece of drywall for patch
Drywall screws
Scrap wood for backing
Drywall saw
Cordless drill with screwdriver attachment
Carpenter's pencil
Steps:
To repair a small hole
- Begin by using a utility knife to trim away any frayed edges or overhanging wallpaper (figure D). You may be able to push some of the raised edges back into the opening to conceal them. Make certain that no edges will result in raised surfaces on the finished repair.
- Once the frayed edges have been trimmed away, place a strip of drywall tape across the damaged area (figure E), making certain that the tape lays flat. Use a drywall knife to help you tear a clean edge when tearing the tape.
- With the tape in place, prepare your drywall compound for application. It may help to thin the compound slightly with a small amount of water to help ensure a smooth application.
- Apply the compound across the taped area, spreading it thin and smoothing it using the drywall knife (figure F). Make certain that you apply enough compound to fill the void behind the tape, then work off the excess with the drywall knife.
- Let the initial application of drywall compound dry (figure G).
- Once the compound is dry, sand the surface smooth using a drywall sander (figure H) or sanding block.
- After the surface has been sanded smooth, apply another layer of compound and spread it smoothly (figure I).
- Allow the second coat to dry, and sand it as before.
- It may require two or three coats to complete the repair, depending on the size of the hole.
To repair a larger hole - To repair a larger hole, you may need to cut a patch from a piece of scrap drywall (figure J). In this case, the damaged area will need to be cut out entirely, and a patch put in its place.
- Determine the approximate size of piece of drywall you'll need, allowing a little extra for removing some of the area around the outside of the damaged area. Cut out the patch from your scrap piece of drywall using a utility knife and straight edge. Drywall is easy to cut. Simply use the straightedge and utility knife to score a line in the paper backing, then snap the drywall along the scored line (figure K).
- Place the freshly cut patch over the damaged area, and scribe a line around the edges of the patch (figure L).
- Use a drywall saw to punch a hole in the drywall, then carefully cut along the scribed lines to remove the damaged area, creating a square hole..
- Cut a piece of scrap wood, and insert a screw to use as a temporary handle, to fashion a backing (figure M) to help align the patch so that it will be flush with the wall surface.
- With the backing in position, attach it to the drywall with screws, and remove the center screw that was used as a handle.
- With the backing in place, insert the patch in the pre-cut hole, and fasten it to the backing with a drywall screw (figure N).
- Once the patch is in place, cover the edges with drywall tape (figure O).
- Once all of the edges are taped (figure P), and you've checked to ensure that the surface is flush with the wall, cover the patch with drywall compound, just as it was in the steps described above. Allow the compound to dry, then sand it smooth to prepare it for repainting.
RESOURCES :
HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV
Home Book: Ultimate Guide to Repairs & Improvements
Model: 158011069X
Author: Mike McClintock (Editor)
Creative Homeowner Press; September 2000
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