Things You'll Need:
- Tape measure
- Straight edge
- Utility knife
- Piece of drywall
- 1-inch drywall screws
- Cordless drill
- Bit to fit screws
- Drywall mud
- Mud knife
- Sandpaper
- Matching wallpaper
- Wallpaper paste
- Small paint brush
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Step 1
Find the studs to the right and left of the damaged area. Studs are 16 inches apart. Use a straight edge and a marking pencil to draw lines on the wall between the stud on the side of the damaged area, and also horizontally across the top and bottom of the damaged area. The width of the box you will make has to be from stud to stud but the height of it is only as tall as the damage.
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Step 2
Use a utility knife to cut into and along the lines you have made. Remove the damaged area of drywall. You will see studs exposed on the sides.
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Step 3
Cut a piece of drywall to match the measurements of the piece you just removed. A scrap of drywall will do--you do not need a full sheet for this repair. Mark cut lines on the new piece of drywall using a straight edge and marking pencil. Use a utility knife to cut the new piece to size.
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Step 4
Insert the new piece of drywall using a cordless drill and 1-inch drywall screws. You likely will not be able to secure the piece on the top or bottom. That is OK. Secure it on the sides by driving screws every 1 inch vertically through the drywall into the studs.
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Step 5
Use drywall mud and a mudding knife to carefully mud the screws holes and seams of the area. Start with a small amount of mud on your knife. Begin at the outside edge and work your way in towards the center. It is important that mud does not go past the edges and get onto the surrounding wallpaper.
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Step 6
Sand to smooth using a fine grit sand paper once the mud is fully dry. Sand from the outside edges in towards the center to avoid damaging the surrounding wallpaper. Remove dust from the wall with a soft cloth when finished.
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Step 7
Cut a scrap of the same wall paper that is on the wall to the size of the damaged area. Repairs like this are why it's good to keep leftover wallpaper when you are finished wallpapering a room. Line the pattern of the new piece up to the pattern on the wall. Measure accordingly and cut the new piece. Use a small paint brush to apply wallpaper paste to the back of the new piece and stick it into position. Adjust it until everything lines up. Wipe excess paste off of wall at edges using a soft, dry cloth.
