Patching a drywall is not rocket science. It is actually easy, and the key to a successful DIY project is having the right drywall equipment, knowing the right methods and having tons of patience.
Here are some tips when patching holes and cracks in a drywall:
Have the right tools
You need to have the right tools to successfully patch a drywall. Patching a drywall will require you to cut a hole in your wall that’s only slightly bigger than the damage. In doing this, you can’t use conventional tools like a regular saw, or you can risk damaging the other parts of the wall.
It pays to have at hand a drywall saw, a drywall knife, a drill or screwdriver, 100 grit sandpaper, backer boards and setting compounds.
Know the right methods
Now that you have the tools, you need to know the right way to repair the damage. The first step is squaring the hole using your drywall saw and knife. Yes, you read it right. You need to cut a bigger square around the hole.
Then, put the backer board in the square that you cut. Note that the board should be bigger than the square. Once in, screw the sides of the backer board into the wall. Then cut a new piece of drywall to patch up the square.
Cover all sides with mesh tape, then apply the compound evenly. Apply three layers of compound. Allow it to completely and evenly dry before putting the next layer.
Apply finishing
Once it is patched and dry, use sandpaper to smoothen out the area. Do not forget to apply primer before painting it. Doing so can help your newly fixed drywall absorb the paint properly.
Congratulations! You just finished patching a damaged drywall. You may now repair the holes in the drywall in the other rooms with confidence.