How to Fix Holes and Dents in Drywall Yourself so It Doesn’t Look Like Shit
Drywall regularly takes on all sorts of damage, from holes made by hanging shelves and paintings to bells from protruding chair backs and doorknobs, but luckily it’s almost as easy to repair as it is to break. Self-repairing drywall dents and holes can save you a little money and make you feel very comfortable, whether you want to decorate a room or leave your deposit. Here’s the best way to confidently fix these cracks (and a bit of a hack).
Collect your tools and materials
For minor drywall repairs, you will need a utility knife, putty knife, and sandpaper. For larger holes, you will also need a hand saw, a screwdriver, a piece of wood trim, a piece of drywall scrap, and a few drywall screws. Repair of any size will also require putty, sealant, gloves and a damp cloth.
Elimination of minor defects in drywall
For small dents or holes, such as those made by nails, all you need is a putty and putty knife. Make sure the surface is clean, take a small amount of putty and push it with a putty knife into the hole. Scratch the wall with a knife to remove excess filler and line up the already filled hole. Once the putty is dry, sand the surface to a smooth finish. (If you’re not sure how long it will take for your product to dry, you can check the packaging, but most will dry in half an hour.)
Filling medium-sized holes in drywall
For larger holes (such as from a doorknob or perhaps a hard blow ), a patch kit will come in handy. You can of course buy one, but you can also make your own patch with drywall mesh tape and some putty. First, place the mesh over the hole you want to close, cutting the tape about an inch larger than the hole in the hole. Then apply a layer of putty to the hole, tapering at the edges to make it easier to blend into the wall surface. A patch this size may take longer to dry than less material, so be sure to check with the packaging to allow sufficient time to dry. If the putty shrinks, you may need to apply a second coat to completely fill the hole. Once the putty is dry, sand the surface to a smooth finish.
Closing large holes in drywall
If you have a hole larger than four inches or so, you will need a piece of drywall to fill it. Before taking any other action, check for wires, outlets, or switches near the area where you intend to repair. If there is a chance that you might come into contact with anything that is letting current, first turn off the power to your work area, just in case. Use a square or tape measure and ruler to mark the area directly around the hole you want to remove – mark a square or rectangle to make it easier to install the patch. While keeping an eye on the wires, use a drywall saw to cut the patch out.
Cutting and pinning a patch
Once you have your initial cut, it’s time to install support for your patch. It might just be a piece of lumber that is at least an inch thick and 2 inches wide. Cut the support 2 or 3 inches longer than the width of your hole. Then tilt the stand so that it goes through the hole and inside the drywall – about the middle of the hole – and screw it into place above and below the hole using drywall screws. Then cut a piece of drywall about a quarter of an inch smaller than the hole in the wall. Use drywall tape to insert the patch into the opening and screw it onto the support. Finally, apply a thin layer of joint compound over the patch, remembering to cover the seams and tapering the joint compound as you go. Allow to dry as directed on the package, then sand.
Smoothing drywall cracks
To fix a drywall crack, use your utility knife to open the crack slightly so that you have room to insert the putty into the hole. Then use a putty knife to smooth out the crack, scraping off any excess. Let the putty dry and then sand to a smooth finish. Make sure to consider the entire area affected by the crack – sometimes cracks can spread and it can be difficult to see very thin edges. It is important to close the entire crack so that it does not open.
Painting and finishing
The final step in any of these renovations is to touch up the paint. If you have old paint, you may have to repaint the entire wall to match the color. (Primer on the wall will help cover the patch first; paint and primer on one probably won’t help.) If your areas are small and the paint is new, you can probably get by with a little touch-up. Even if you have to buy new paint, your walls (and your wallet) will thank you.