Learning how to patch drywall might seem like a simple home improvement, but without following the proper steps, it’s easy to end up with lackluster results. Luckily, Mr. Handyman has years of experiencing perfecting the drywall process, so Approved Home pros caught up with local owner Bill Cone to create this step-by-step guide to help make sure your DIY project goes smoothly.
1. Begin your project by cutting a patch of new drywall board to match the space in your wall that needs repairing. Make sure that it’s as tight of a fit as possible and that it’s the same thickness as the existing drywall. Secure the new piece with nails so that it’s well supported and flush with the existing wall.
2. Use drywall tape around the seams so that the seam doesn’t crack in the future.
3. Mix your drywall compound. Apply the compound to the taped seams and over the nail holes, ensuring that the application is nice and feathered to create a smooth look and texture. Let the compound set. It can take up to 24 hours to completely dry.
4. After it’s set, use sandpaper to sand down any rough patches that don’t blend well with the desired wall texture.
5. Add the texture coat. To create a seamless end product, you’ll want to emulate the texture of the existing wall, whether it’s a smooth texture or knockdown texture. Let the texture coat dry.
6. After it’s dry, the last step is to paint. Match the paint to the existing wall color and then paint over your drywall patch.
Even after following the steps perfectly, learning how to patch drywall can still be one of the harder DIY projects for your home. It take a lot of time, patience and even some artistic skill to make your patch look seamlessly integrated with the rest of your wall. Especially for bigger or more complicated projects, it’s best left to the experts.
