How to Remold Using Wire on Top of Drywall
Whether the hole in your drywall resulted from your child's kick or remodeling, you don't have to hide the damage with a vase or picture. You don't have to hire a contractor to do the work, either. Instead you can use wire mesh to return the drywall to its previous condition. You can complete the drywall in two ways. You can purchase a drywall repair kit, which has a variety of metal wire mesh such ranging from 4 by 4 to 8 by 8-inch dimensions. You can also gather the items needed at a home improvement store. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Wire mesh
- Utility knife with sharp blade
- Joint compound
- Wide putty knife
- Sanding sponge
- Clean rag
Instructions
-
-
1
Prepare the wire. Measure the wall to exact size mesh you need. Cut the metal patch to size. If you purchase a drywall repair kit, select the precut wire mesh according to your measurements.
-
2
Remove debris from the drywall surface area. Use a utility knife to carefully cut or score the wall around the hole. Remove all the debris, bumps and obtrusions from the wall.
-
-
3
Affix the wire to the drywall. Place a thin layer of self-adhesive on the back of the backside of the mesh. Press the mesh -- with the adhesive side toward the wall -- on top of the hole. If you have self-adhesive mesh from a drywall kit, remove the covering and affix to the wall.
-
4
Cover the entire wire using a 4-inch putty knife. Apply an even, thin layer of joint compound over the mesh.
-
5
Use a sanding sponge to eliminate rough spots. Let the joint compound dry. Lightly sand the area until it's flush, or even with the original drywall.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You may have to repeat pplying the joint compound and dry process more than once. In fact, it may take three coats of joint compound to achieve a smooth finish.
To check for rough spots or bumps, angle a flashlight at the repaired area. Using a flashlight allows you to see any bumpy areas or rough spots before you start painting.
The wire mesh must extend slightly beyond the edge of the hole you're covering approximately an inch on each side.
Don't use nails or setting screws to mount the wire to the drywall hole. Using anything other than self-adhesive can create an uneven drywall repair.
If you plan to prime and paint the wall, wait until the area is completely dry and dust free.
Don't use too much joint compound to cover the wire. If you use too much compound, you may spend more time sanding than you would if you placed a light, even coating.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
