subject: How You Can Repair Drywall In 9 Basic Steps
[print this page] Drywall repair is really a straightforward procedure that just about any homeowner can learn to do. Given that properties today are built with lumber inferior to that of generations past, movement of drywall from warping and shrinking inside the home's framing causes many different drywall-related troubles. As a result, several homeowners will should repair corners, cracks, screw pops, tape seams, along with other drywall imperfections that accrue over time. Additionally, harm from water intrusion, household accidents and typical wear and tear necessitate a periodic drywall repair to maintain the walls looking good, especially just before they are painted.
Drywall Repair Tools and Materials
Go to your nearby residence improvement store and acquire:
(1) 4" Drywall Knife
(1) 12" Stainless Steel Mud Pan
(1-qt) All-Purpose Joint Compound
(1) Drywall Sanding Sponge
(1-qt) Latex-Based Drywall Primer
(1) 2" Angle-Tipped Paint Brush
1. Based on the amount of drywall repairs needed, remove an proper amount of joint compound (or "mud," as it really is typically referred to) from the plastic tub utilizing your 4" drywall knife and scrape it off into your 12" mud pan. The idea here would be to maintain the joint compound fresh to ensure that is does not dry out-so only take as a lot mud out as it is possible to use within 10 minutes. Otherwise, "chunks" of drywall mud develop, making your drywall repair far more difficult.
two. Briefly perform the drywall mud back and forth in your pan a few times-like you would knead bread dough. This removes air from the mud to help lessen bubbles once you place it on the wall.
three. Apply a thin coat of drywall mud to the crack or dent. Use the knife to scrape the mud flush with the surrounding surface of the drywall. It really is greater to apply 2 or 3 thin coats of mud (permitting each and every coat to dry in among applications) versus one thick coat. One of the far more typical errors I see with drywall repair is mud which is applied too thick. This rarely results in a superb surface and makes for further time and mess throughout the sanding phase.
four. Enable the mud to dry. Dry time is extremely influenced by sort and brand of compound, thickness and amount of mud application, too as ambient temperature and humidity of the room. If you want to accelerate dry time, grab a hair dryer to dry the area (as noticed in this picture of my craftsman Drew).
five. When the drywall mud is totally dry, location a drop cloth below the region of drywall repair, as you're going to make a mess subsequent! Use your sanding sponge to sand the region flush using the remaining wall. Use lighter pressure as you finish to avoid gouging or scratching up your work. Many people like to have a buddy hold a shop vacuum as much as the location to suck up all the drywall dust while they perform. In case you make a decision to complete this ensure you've a drywall dust or HEPA filter installed-otherwise you'll just wind up blowing the dust all through the room.
6. Take a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe down the drywall repair to eliminate any remaining dust. You are able to also use a wet cloth or sponge to "wet sand" the location to get an additional smooth impact, if desired.
7. Utilizing your tiny paintbrush, apply a light coat of primer to the drywall repair. This will seal the joint compound, hide the repaired area, and prepare it to accept paint.
8. When painting the drywall repair, I advocate painting an entire section of the wall, if feasible. Despite the fact that you could have left more than paint from when the wall was originally painted, or purchased new paint with identical formula as the original, it really is unlikely to match. Walls age and collect dirt as time passes, altering their look and color. Hence, in case you can paint a entire section of the wall, up to a corner or seam, the distinction of "new" versus "old" paint is much less visible.
9. This is by far the very best portion of the job: stand back, admire your work, and brag to all your friends and family how handy you are!
