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REPAIR LARGE DRYWALL HOLES LIKE AN EXPERT
Large drywall holes are a little more difficult to repair, but you can learn to do it yourself by following the simple step-by-step instructions below.
REPAIRING LARGE HOLES:
The damaged section of wallboard must be cut out and replaced with a new wallboard piece of the same thickness. Since the hole has no backing, you will have to build a new backing to hold the wallboard patch in place.
1. With a utility knife, cut a scrap piece of drywall into a square or rectangle. The square or rectangle should be slightly larger than the damaged wall area.
2. Set the patch against the damaged area, and lightly trace around it with a pencil.
3. Cut out the outlined area with a keyhole saw. Keep the saw cut on the inside of the traced line so that the hole in the drywall will be exactly the same size as the patch.
4. To create the backing of the patch you can use pieces of 2X4, 1X2 or even a scrap pieces of plywood (we prefer 2X4's). Cut two pieces of wood to a length about 8 inches longer than the width of the hole.
5. Insert the two lengths of board into the hole, placing them horizontally, about one inch from the top and bottom of the opening. To keep the pieces of board in place, fasten the ends of the boards to the drywall with flathead screws driven through the wall at the sides of the hole; countersink the screws below the surface of the drywall.
6. Insert the patch into the hole and adjust it so it fits exactly even with the surrounding wall. We hold the patch in place by screwing it to the boards with flathead screws, countersunk into the patch. But if you prefer you can use the joint compound as glue to hold the patch in place. With the joint compound holding the patch, you'll need to hold the patch in place until the compound starts to set (be sure to allow the joint compound to dry before proceeding).
7. Once the patch is firmly set in place, fill the patch outline and cover the exposed screw heads with joint compound. Use a firm putty knife or patching spatula to apply joint compound all around the patch, working the compound thoroughly into all the cracks.
8. Scrape away any surplus material and allow the patched area to dry completely.
9. When the area is completely dry, sand smooth.
10. If a second coat of compound is required allow each coat to dry completely.
11. Sand lightly, prime and paint.
NOTE: The key to a quality job is blending the repair with the surrounding surface. This is often done in three layers over a period of days. For some medium sized drywall holes you can use the "Hat Patch Method" described in the "Small Holes" section of our "Do-it-yourself" information page. Feel free to contact us with your
repair questions.
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