How to Repair a Wall With an Aluminum Patch

A small hole in a wall is an unsightly nuisance. If the hole is less than 3 inches in diameter, you can easily repair it with an aluminum patch kit. Repair kits typically come with a 4-by-4 inch adhesive aluminum patch, spackling compound, sandpaper and a putty knife to spread the compound. You can find these repair kits at your local hardware store or home center.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aluminum patch
• Spackling compound
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Putty knife

1. Clean the area you need to patch. Make sure there are no loose particles adhering to the edges of the hole. The wall surrounding the hole must be solid and dry.

2. Cut the aluminum mesh patch, if necessary. At least 1 inch of mesh must overlap onto the drywall. Peel the adhesive backing off the aluminum patch. Press the patch firmly onto the wall. Make sure it adheres well all the way around.

3. Use the putty knife the spread the spackling compound over the patch and adjoining wall. Feather-edge the spackle around the patch. The spackle should be as smooth as possible and should blend with the wall when you finish. Let the spackle dry. Many spackling compounds are tinted when you apply them but dry to a white finish.

4. Sand the patched area using fine-grit sandpaper. If necessary, apply another coat of spackling compound and let it dry. Sand again.

5. Prime the patch and paint it to match the wall's color. If you already painted the wall, you don't need to repaint the whole wall.