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HOW TO REPAIR DENTS, SCRATCHES, CRACKS AND
POPPED NAIL HEADS
Doing a repair job to your drywall can often be a simple process. Objects that come into contact with wall board can cause dents or scratched in the surface. Cracks can appear over time as your home settles and shifts. Occasionally a nail head may work itself loose and pop through the drywall. All of these can be easily repaired with simple tools and a minimal investment of your time.
DENTS AND SCRATCHES
For small holes and shallow dents, all you need to do is apply some patching compound over the top of it with a taping knife or putty knife.
For deeper dents and scratches it may be necessary to sand the damaged area before applying the compound. This sanding roughens the surface and provides a good base for the joint compound you will be using. Use a coarse sandpaper and a good sandpaper block. Than proceed to fill the area with one or more layers of all-purpose joint compound, using a flexible, narrow-blade, such as a putty knife or small spreader (3 or 4 inches). spread the compound evenly, pressing it firmly into the dented area. For larger dents it may be necessary to apply a second coat. Allow the first coat of compound to dry overnight before applying a second coat. When the material is completely dry; sand the area smooth and prime it for painting.
CRACKS
Cracked areas to be patched must be completely clean and dry. Peal away any torn paper and sand rough spots. Use a wide and flexible putty knife and apply the compound by working across the crack with strokes in both directioins. This process will work the patching plaster into the crack. Force the patching material into the crack using strong, firm strokes. Several passes of the knife are often necessary to force the material well into the crack. Remove any surplus patching material with the putty knife.
You may want to dip the putty knife into water for the final pass. After the patched area has dried, examine the area to determine if a second coat of patching compound is called for, if not, sand and prime it to receive the finish you desire.
POPPED NAIL HEADS
Occasionally a nail head might work itself loose. Using drywall screws and a screw gun , insert new screws a few inches above or below the loose nail head through the drywall and into the stud behing it. Tap in the loose nail or remove it altogether. Loose paper around the hole should be removed or pushed into the hole. Fill the screw head holes and nail holes with the same small-hole procedure in DENTS AND SCRATCHES. It will likely take two coats of patching compound to do the job. When the repairs are dry, sand, prime, and paint the area.
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