How to patch holes in the walls
Wear and tear on a house is inevitable, especially if there are kids or pets living in the house also. Paying someone to make all of the minor repairs that will undoubtedly be needed could get expensive really quickly. For example, let's say little Bobby is running around the house using a long pole as a pretend horse and accidentally runs full-speed into the wall creating a hole. While a hole like this could get expensive to fix if Bobby were to do it often, a person willing to take care of it themselves will likely save some cash. But how do you do it? Here is a step by step guide to fixing a hole in a sheetrock wall.
Step 1
It is likely that the hole little Bobby put in the wall is not a clean cut hole. However, in order to fix the hole, the hole must be clean of debris and loose pieces. To do this, use a keyhole saw, also known as a drywall saw or alligator saw, and cut away the loose pieces so that the hole is a clean circle. Another helpful tool is a utility knife. A knife could help remove the excess debris also.
Step 2
The next step is to cut away the paper around the hole. This can be done with a utility knife or razor blade. Only cut about a half of an inch around the perimeter of the hole. This will give our hole replacement a place to grab on to the wall later.
Then, cut a piece of drywall that is a little too big for the hole. Cut away the gypsum on the back of the patch so that it will slide snug into the existing hole. It is important that the paper on the front side of the patch stays intact when cutting away the gypsum and when the plug is placed in the hole.
Step 3
This is where it gets fun! Take a plaster or other type of compound (these can usually be purchased already mixed at the local hardware store) and apply it to both the inside and outside edges of the hole. Then place the plug into the hole, making sure the extra paper left from the excess gypsum that was cut away earlier fits over the half an inch bare spot created earlier.
Now, just plaster over the patch. This will need to be done twice. Make sure to scrape away any chunks and lightly sand the plaster before applying more. After doing this a second time, apply a more watered down or thinner compound to create a smooth finish.
Step 4
Finally, before painting or wallpapering, it is important to lightly sand the plaster to make sure it is extremely smooth to the existing wall. If it is rough or has chunks, they will appear through the paint. Before painting or even wallpapering, be sure to use primer on the plaster or it may show through the paint.
While replacing a hole for the first time may take a little longer than expected, with practice it will become easier. Because very little equipment is needed to do this quick fix, paying someone to come and do it is not really cost effective. All of the things necessary to fix a hole in drywall can be found at a local hardware store. Oh, and make sure to take that pole away from Bobby so these holes do not become commonplace.
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Tags: drywall plaster hole minor repairs keyhole saw utility knife razor blade primer wallpaper paint
