Our homes’ walls protect us from foot traffic, temperature elements, and insects. Between temperature and humidity changes, pets, kids, and pests, the walls are bound to suffer from issues like fading, flaking, chipping paint, and cracks and holes.
Repairing holes and painting walls can be a big job. It requires a lot of time and effort; if the job is done right, the results will look good. If the job isn’t done well, the homeowner may have to redo the work or have someone else do the work again. That’s why clients recommend hiring a professional painter for all their house painting in Livermore, CA needs.
Tools and materials for drywall hole repair
For a new, beautiful, brand-new look, you should patch any holes in your drywall before applying a fresh coat of paint.
Tools and materials for drywall repair:
- Carpenter’s knife
- Putty knife
- Broad knife
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Drywall saw
- Drill
- Trowel
- Drywall patch kit
- Pre-mixed joint compound
- Spackle
- Texture wall spray
- Furring strips
- Drywall tape
- Drywall screws
- A piece of scrap drywall
- Clean rags
- Dust mask
You may only have to use some tools and materials, so choosing them depends on the hole size you will fix. It is a good idea to be sure you have as many of these tools as possible to have what you need when needed.
Patching a small hole
Small holes are often caused by nails, hooks, and wall fasteners that pop up. But don’t worry – any hole no bigger than a nickel is relatively quick and simple to fix. In no time, you’ll have new walls again! For this job, you’ll need spackle or joint compound, and make sure you’re wearing a mask to protect yourself from sanding dust.
- Clean the hole by removing any dust and loose debris.
- If the hole is slightly larger, use a carpenter’s knife to create a beveled edge around the hole’s circumference.
- Dampen a clean rag and use it to wipe off any dust.
- Fill any holes with spackle or joint compound using a putty knife. Spread the filler over to make it flush with the wall.
- Allow the filler to dry.
- Once dried, use the 120-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the area.
- Apply the second coat of the filler. Allow it to dry, then sand the excess.
- Prime over the patched hole. Let the primer dry.
- Paint over the primed area.
Patching a medium-sized hole (no larger than six inches)
This job requires finesse in applying the joint compound into the hole and feathering it outward. If not done correctly, it will result in a slight bulge. You can use a drywall repair kit, which has everything you need.
- Sand and clean the area where you will create the patch.
- To make a patch, apply the adhesive side of the drywall tape to the wall.
- Use a putty knife to apply a joint compound over the patch, preferably in a crisscross pattern. Make sure to apply enough compound to cover the patch sufficiently and have enough for feathering.
- Allow the compound to dry.
- Once the compound has dried, lightly sand the excess with 120-grit sandpaper.
- Apply another coat of the compound and let it dry. Then sand the excess.
- Prime and paint over the patched area.
Patching a large hole (anything larger than six inches)
A word of caution:
Before proceeding, make sure to locate the utility placements in your home, such as electrical and plumbing lines. For instance, electrical wires are typically attached to wall studs, so it’s crucial to figure out their exact location before starting to cut, drill, or nail drywall. If you do not locate these lines, you may accidentally damage them while patching the hole.
- For this job, you will need a scrap piece of drywall. You can purchase the standard 2-by-2-inch drywall piece from a home improvement store, local hardware store, or online. Or, cut out a square piece of drywall from any inconspicuous area in your home. Ensure that the drywall piece is slightly bigger than the hole you will patch.
- Place the square drywall piece on top of the area that needs patching, then trace it around with a pencil. This step aims to make the patch bigger than the hole. It also ensures you have the hole completely covered.
- Use a drywall saw to cut the damaged drywall along your trace lines.
- Install the furring strips through the cut hole. Pull the strips against the backside of your drywall and fasten them from the front using drywall screws. You have to make sure that the screws anchor the furring strips firmly to the back of the drywall. If the screw heads are flush (or slightly dimpled) with the wall, you’re on the right track.
- Set the new drywall patch in place. Then, secure it to the furring strips with screws.
- Apply the joint compound to the drywall tape along the edges.
- Cover everything with the compound. Allow the compound to dry.
- Once dry, lightly sand the excess off to make it smooth.
- Apply a second coat of the compound. Let it dry, then sand the excess again to make it smooth. After sanding the compound, use a tack cloth to remove any dust that could affect your painting.
- Prime the patched area and allow it to dry.
- Once the primer is dry, paint the area using your final color.
Additional tips:
- If you have textured drywall, apply a new texture to the patch before painting. Use a wall texture spray for easy application or create the texture using the joint compound.
- If necessary or desired, apply a third coat of the spackle or joint compound to achieve a smoother look.
- You can use a heavy-duty paint stirring stick in place of furring strips.
For more wall patching and painting tips, contact the painting contractors in Livermore, CA. They will guide you through the correct steps and provide valuable tricks to help you achieve a flawless finish in your drywall.