An old time drywall contractor who works for our remodeling company taught us a very simple method of making a wallboard patch:
First, you’ll need to create a patch from a piece of wallboard. The patch material will have to be slightly larger than the hole to be repaired. Many hardware stores or home improvement centers will sell partial sheets of 1/2-inch wallboard, which is ideal.
Start by cutting a patch (any shape), which is slightly larger than the area to be repaired. The patch does not need to be neatly cut.
Place the patch-size piece of sheetrock centered directly over the hole, and using the patch as a stencil, draw a pencil line on the wall around the entire perimeter of the patch.
Next, using a wallboard saw, cut along the line on the wall and remove the damaged wallboard surrounding the hole. Note that the hole in the wall now exactly matches the patch.
Then cut two pieces of wallboard joint tape each approximately 7 or 8 inches longer than the length of the patch. Apply a thin layer of joint compound to both sides of both pieces of joint tape.
Place the joint tape in a criss-cross fashion centered on the back of the patch.
Gently place the patch into the cutout in the wall and stick the four pieces of excess joint tape to the wall surface surrounding the cutout.
Trowel the joint tape to smooth it and then wait for it to dry.
When it’s dry, apply additional coats of joint compound over the patched area. An additional 2 inches of wall should be covered with each coat of joint compound to ensure a smooth transition between the existing wall and the patched area.
If the wall has a textured finish, yet another step will be required. We have found that the simplest way to match most modern wall textures is with a disposable touch-up gun or with texture in a can. Both devices come with an adjustable nozzle allowing you to match several different finish textures.
Other texturing methods include using a small piece of shag carpeting, a sponge or other assorted utensils. In order to achieve the desired finish, we suggest that you practice applying texture to a scrap piece of drywall before making the actual application.
For tips from James and Morris Carey, go to www.onthehouse.com or call the listener hot line, 800-737-2474, ext. 59. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 10 a.m. every Saturday.
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