5 Helpful Tips to Make Sure Your DIY Drywall Repair Is a Success
Every homeowner has been there at some point or another. You’re moving a piece of furniture with a sharp corner and you gouge a hole in the drywall. Or, there is damage from a leak inside the wall. Fixing damaged drywall, especially when the damage seems minor, is a chore that many homeowners occasionally have to deal with.
Whether it’s from accidental damage or simple wear and tear, repairing drywall can be frustrating and time-consuming. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer and want to tackle this project on your own, but don’t have much experience with it, here are a few tips that will make it much more likely that you’ll be happy with the results.
Always Use Drywall Tape
Sometimes, DIYers think it’s OK to skip the drywall tape, thinking the joint compound will be enough all by itself. Drywall tape is very important because it reinforces the seams and prevents them from cracking or peeling down the road. Without drywall tape, which is applied before the joint compound, the repaired area will I end up being weaker and more likely to experience future damage.
Use Enough Joint Compound
Joint compound is fairly inexpensive, so it’s not where you want to save a few pennies. Unfortunately, not using enough of it is one of the most common mistakes we often see when drywall repair goes wrong. Joint compound is used to smooth over the seams between drywall panels and cover up any cracks or holes. If you don’t use enough joint compound, you’ll end up with a bumpy and uneven surface. Be sure to apply enough to the repair area. Also, use a wide putty knife to smooth it out.
Allow the Joint Compound to Dry Completely
If you start sanding or painting before the joint compound is completely dry, it can cause cracks or bumps in the repair area. So, again, be patient and let it dry out completely. You might be able to speed the process up a little by using fans or opening windows for better ventilation.
Sand The Surface Properly
Sanding is an important step in repairing drywall. Remember, the goal is to finish the repair so that it completely blends in. Too often, though, not enough time and attention are paid to the sanding process, leaving the surface rough and uneven at the seams. On the other hand, if you sand too much, you’ll create a depression in the repair area. Always use a fine-grit sandpaper and sand in a circular motion. Be patient so you don’t sand too aggressively and always use a sanding block. That will help keep the surface even.
Paint The Surface to Match
After completing the repair, you’ll want to paint the repaired area to blend in with the surrounding wall. It can be difficult to match the color and finish exactly, especially if it’s been a while since the last time the surface was painted, so you may want to consider repainting the whole wall. You’ll also want to be careful not to apply too much paint, which will leave a shiny spot that’s noticeable from certain angles. It’s best to apply a thin coat of paint and wait for it to dry completely, then apply a second coat. This should help you create a seamless finish that blends in.
Because repairing drywall is a task that requires patience, attention to detail, and a bit of skill, it’s a good idea to leave yourself enough time and make sure you have all the tools and materials you need before you get started. If you’re not comfortable tackling this task on your own, you may want to hire a professional drywall repair contractor, like Hole in the Wall Drywall Repair. After all, this is your home so you want to make sure the job is done right and looks good when it’s finished.
