If you’re like many people, you’ve seen how bad a hole in drywall looks – and if you need to paint over one, you know that it’s tough to get it just right.
Here’s how to fix a hole in drywall so you can paint over it. (Remember, if you need help, we can repair the holes in your drywall and give your whole home a fresh coat of paint!)
How to Fix a Hole in Drywall
There are basically three categories of holes in drywall: Small, Medium and Large. The size of the hole will dictate how you fix it.
How to Fix Small Holes in Drywall (Under 3 or 4 Inches)
You can use a drywall patch kit for small holes in drywall, like the ones a doorknob would cause. Follow this step-by-step guide:
- Place a self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole.
- Use a drywall knife to cover the patch with joint compound. Feather the edges so it blends into the wall.
- Apply a second coat of compound if necessary, but wait until the first patch dries.
- Sand the patch down so it’s smooth.
How to Fix Medium Holes in Drywall (Under About 6 Inches)
For holes that are about 6 inches across (or smaller), you can cut drywall to fit inside. Follow these steps:
- Cut a piece of drywall into a square that’s about 2 inches larger than the hole.
- Score the back of the drywall about 1 inch inside its borders. Make the cuts close for a perforated effect.
- Break off the gypsum without tearing the paper backing.
- Hold the cut drywall over the hole and trace its outline. Don’t outline the paper – just the drywall.
- Cut out the traced square with a drywall knife.
- Spread joint compound on the back of the paper.
- Put the cut drywall in the hole and smooth the paper edges over the wall.
- Cover the whole patch with joint compound and feather the edges.
- Apply a second coat of compound when the first is dry.
- Sand the patch down so it’s smooth.
How to Fix Large Holes in Drywall (Over 6 Inches)
You can use drywall to patch a large hole, but it might require a different method. Follow these steps:
- Cut a piece of drywall into a square that’s larger than the hole.
- Hold the square over the drywall and trace around its edges.
- Cut a hole in the drywall that matches your patch using a drywall knife.
- Add a small, thin piece of wood to each side of the hole from the inside, using screws on the outside. Sink the screws beneath the drywall’s surface so you can patch them later.
- Put the drywall patch in place and screw it to the wooden strips inside the hole.
- Affix joint tape all around the patch.
- Cover the patch and the joint tape with joint compound. Feather the edges.
- Apply a second coat of compound when the first is dry.
- Sand the patch down so it’s smooth.
Want to Skip All This Hassle?
We can handle this for you and repaint your wall so it looks like there was never a hole there in the first place. We work in Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Myrtle Beach. Call us at 910-725-3227 to get a free painting estimate for any of our services today!
