Monday, September 30, 2013

Basic Home Repair: Patching Drywall

Basic Home Repair: Patching Drywall

By Lori Philipps


Handling drywall issues is normal for every homeowner since drywall is not the most durable material for covering walls and ceilings. However, it is important to know how to create perfect drywall patches. If you are not comfortable in repairing drywall on your own, contact a specialist immediately.

Before patching drywall, gather all the tools and materials needed. Always have the right mud consistency before proceeding to avoid inconvenience. Wear protective footwear and clothing during the repair process to avoid encountering unnecessary disasters. For those with respiratory conditions, wear a face mask before sanding the panel.

Use a sharp utility knife to square off the damaged area. Do not overlook this step since it is difficult to work with an irregular-shaped drywall panel. Do not forget to remove the torn paper edges and check behind the panel for any wiring and obstructions that can hinder the repair.

Slip a backer board behind the opening and screw it with drywall nails. Make sure the nail heads are below the surface for an easy finish. You can use a nail to serve as a temporary handhold. Place the new panel over the board and secure it with drywall nails. Again, countersink the nails to avoid having a bumpy wall.

It is better to use self-adhesive mesh tapes when taping the seams since they don't need a thin coating of mud for application. You can also use tough paper tapes to seal the gaps if you have the skill in doing so. Once the seams have been taped, you can now proceed to drywall finishing.

Mix the joint compound and loosen its consistency with a little amount of water. If you are having a hard time getting the right mix, you can buy those in premixed forms instead of powdered ones. Then, apply a thin layer of mud over the tape pieces. Feather it out on the edges to match the surface of your existing drywall.

Once dry, cover the entire panel with a new coating. You can swipe the knife clean if your taping knife gets too sticky to use. Some homeowners find it helpful to wipe the blade with lukewarm water to spread the mud easily. Let it dry and blend the panel by applying a final coat of finishing compound. Do not forget to sand the drywall in between coating application.

Apply a primer before painting. This prevents the paint from wearing off easily. If you think patching drywall is difficult, you can always ask help from the experts. Ask advice and get professional tips on how to make perfect drywall patches.




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