How to Fix Minor Drywall Damage

There are times when your poor walls look like they have been through a battle. Kids slam open doors too quickly and leave a dent in the wall. You have hung one too many pictures and there are holes that gape at you, demanding to be fixed. Many homes have walls that are made of drywall and the minor day-to-day mishaps, bruises and blemishes can be fixed without calling in a professional.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• drop cloth taping knife joint compound sandpaper mesh tape dust mask paintbrush primer paint

Repair drywall

1. Spread a drop cloth on the floor beneath the area that needs repair. Make sure the damaged area is clean and free of debris and dust. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the area you're going to repair.

2. If the hole that you are going to repair is larger than 1 inch, you will need to use mesh tape to repair the damage. First spread a layer of joint compound over the hole, and then cut a piece of tape and apply it over the compound, pressing hard against the tape to make it stick to the wall.

3. Use the taping knife to apply a coat of joint compound over the mesh tape. Let it dry, sand the rough spots, and then apply another coat. Make the compound as smooth as possible to cut down on sanding.

4. After the compound has dried, use a finer grit of sandpaper to smooth the area you've compounded. Make sure you remove all rough edges. Wipe the dust off with a clean, damp rag.

5. Apply one coat of primer to the area. Allow the primer to dry completely and then apply paint that matches the rest of the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a dust mask anytime you're sanding. Avoid inhaling dust from the compound.

References

• The Do It Yourself Handbook, by Mike Collins, David Holloway, Brenda Legge, and Diane Carr, pgs 26 and 27