How to DIY sheetrock repair

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By goodselfme
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (9 Ratings)

One of my drywall pieces had a 2 foot by 6 foot hole. I can tell you first hand instructions for a DIY sheetrock repair.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

I did a DIY drywall repair, so I can instruct you to accomplish that.
Measure the hole to be repaired in your drywall making sure to also know the thickness of the plaster board. There are different thicknesses so this is as important as the height and width.
Step 2

Cut at least 4 thin strips of wood lathing. The size of these will be the measurement of the sheetrock as well. This will be the backing so the sheetrock will be held in place and not fall through your hole you are repairing. Measure exactly where these are, so you can put sheetrock nails in the sheetrock to hold it to the wall. These lathing pieces can be super glued on the blunt ends to secure it to the existing plaster board that is intact on your wall. Let these dry fully, so they will not slip when some pressure is put on them. They should be tight, not sloppy in the hole area.
Step 3

Cut your sheetrock to your measurements. Sand the edges down so you can easily place your patch in the hole. The mud or sheetrock paste will seal the gaps.
Step 4

Use Sheetrock nails or screws to put the sheetrock in the hole. You have predetermined where these go with your measurements beforehand.
Step 5

Get ready to use the prepared drywall mud with a putty knife to smooth it on the edges first, then the nail or screw holes. Apply a little at a time and then in a criss cross motion, use the trowel or putty knife again on that same spot to remove excess mud. This action puts mud in the spaces needed and then takes excess off the area. Let dry for at least overnight.
Step 6

Sand the dried mud putty, and reapply another coat until you have a smooth surface to paint or wall paper. You might need 3 coats to get the desired outcome of your job, for this DIY drywall repair. When you are happy with your finished sheetrock repair work, paint or finish the wall to your decor ideas.