Whether it’s minor holes due to nail pops or large cracks due to impact, drywall damage is nothing extraordinary. The rea concern is how to repair the damage properly. while we do highly recommend leaving the fixing to experienced and skilled drywall contractors like HighStyle Painting, if you know how to do it, you could repair minor problems on your own. From filling up small holes to patching up large cracks before painting them; this blog goes over the proper way to fix problems with your drywall.
From Small Holes To Long Cracks: Fixing Drywall Damage
Did you notice nail pops on your living room drywall? Or maybe it’s a fissure you saw due to settling? While fixing a damaged drywall isn’t impossible to do on your own, the technique can look entirely different depending on the damage. If you want to put your DIY skills to the test, the section below goes over everything from cleaning the area to sealing it, helping you renew your compromised drywall.
Read along to learn how to do it.
- Small Hole Repair
The first thing we’re looking it is nail pops from hooks and picture frames. These, while harmless, can take from the charm of your space. fixing them isn’t difficult, though. All it requires is some careful consideration, filling and feathering. The process looks something like this:
- Clean Debris: First, the area should be cleaned of all dust, dirt and grease.
- Fill Gap: Using a putty knife, a spackling or joint compound should be pressed into the space.
- Sand It Smooth: After the compound has dried, use a fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
- Prime & Paint: Finally, clean the area again, before priming and repainting it to look brand new.
- Medium Hole Repair
Wasn’t that easy? Alright, let’s kick it up a notch. Next, we need to take care of holes that are about six inches in size. As you can probably imagine, filling it up with joint compound won’t be enough, so we need to change our approach. The way to handle bigger holes is to:
- Apply Mesh Patch: after treating the area, go ahead and apply a self-adhesive mesh patch.
- Compound Application: To reinforce the patch, cover the patch with joint compound before feathering it out.
- Sand It Smooth: Just as before, grab a piece of fine-grit sandpaper and rub it till it sits smooth with the rest of the wall.
- Reapply Compound: If that doesn’t feel enough, you can always go in with a second layer of compound. Sand, prime and paint to complete the process.
- Large Hole Repair
Now let’s look at those huge cavities that might be the result of plumbing work or moisture damage. If that’s what you’re dealing with, we would advise—once again—to contact a drywall technician. But to patch it up yourself, you should:
- Carve Out: With a knife, cut out a square or rectangular shape around the entire damaged area.
- Install Furring Strip: Add some support by placing a furring strip and screwing it into the surrounding drywall.
- Nail Drywall: Now, take a new piece of drywall and screw it into the wood backing.
- Seal & Paint: Finally, install a mesh tape, followed by several layers of feathered compound. Once dried, prime the patch and then repaint it for a seamless finish.
- Crack Repair
Whether it’s due to impact, structural settling or something else, when you spot a fissure or gash in your drywall, the repair method can be a little more complicated, so we do advise enlisting the help of a professional. But, for a skilled DIYer with a can-do attitude, they should:
- Widen Crack: Grab a utility knife and carefully widen the crack by creating a V-shaped groove.
- Add Compound: Next, take your joint compound and pack the opening with the material to fill it up.
- Seal: Take a fiberglass mesh tape and seal the crack, applying compound over it before smoothing it with sandpaper.
- Prime & Paint: Finally, for that coveted flawless finish, prime the area before applying a fresh coat of paint and calling it a day.
Conclusion
At the end, fixing a drywall is simple, but it does require careful consideration and skill to do correctly. While small holes can be simply filled up, larger ones require a wood backing before a drywall patch. As for cracks that appear throughout your drywall, you need to start by deepening it with a utility knife, followed by filling, patching and sealing it up. we hope this blog helped you gain a clear understanding of the drywall repair process. For further guidance or repairs, please contact us.
FAQs
Are drywall cracks serious?
If they’re bigger than 5mm and are above doorways, they may point to structural damage and are serious.
What is the average cost to tape and mud drywall?
Depending on location and extent of damage, it usually costs between $1.22 and $1.47 per linear foot.
How long should I wait to paint over drywall mud?
You should wait at least 24 hours for the mud to dry before picking up a paintbrush.