6 Helpful Tips for a Quick and Easy Drywall Repair
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Drywall is one of the most common materials used in home construction. It’s also the first thing to get damaged during the renovation process. Whether it’s from an old water leak, a broken pipe or just an accident, you will almost certainly need to repair drywall at some point. Fortunately, these repairs are fairly easy if you know what you’re doing. The trick is knowing where to start and what tools you should use. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, these tips should help simplify that process for you!
Use a template for holes
As you’re working to repair the drywall, you’ll probably encounter a few holes. If you don’t have the materials to fix the hole all the way, you can easily cover it with a piece of paper or cardboard. You can then use the paper as a guide to cut a new drywall piece and fill in the hole. Just make sure to paint over the paper once your repair is complete! You can even use the paper to cover up damaged areas so you can focus on the larger repairs.
Mix the drywall mud in a bucket
When you’re mixing the drywall mud, always mix it in a bucket. This will make the process much easier and cleaner, as you don’t have to worry about spilling a little drywall on the ground. If your drywall mud is too thick, you’ll have a hard time applying it to the wall. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, it won’t hold the wall together properly. The solution? Use a 1-to-3 ratio of joint compound to sand. This should give you the consistency you need for a smooth finish.
Make sure your repair is level
One of the most common mistakes people make during a drywall repair is not making the repair level. If you don’t make your repair level with the rest of the wall, it will stand out like a sore thumb. This is especially important if you’re covering up a hole. If you don’t make the patch at least level with the surrounding wall, it will look very obvious. You can use a combination square and a level to make sure the repair is even. Alternatively, you can use your eye to make sure it looks level. Just remember that your repair doesn’t need to be perfect, just level.
Don’t forget to sand
Once you’ve applied your drywall mud and allowed it to dry, you’ll want to sand it. Make sure you sand it thoroughly, especially if you’re covering a larger area. This will ensure the repair blends in with the rest of the wall. Depending on the area you’re working on, you may want to use a sanding sponge instead of a regular sandpaper. This will save you time and effort! Sanding is a crucial part of the drywall repair process. If you skip this step, your repair will look obvious and out of line with the rest of the wall.
Use quality joint compound
As you’re applying your first coat of drywall mud, you’ll notice that it bubbles up. This is normal. You’ll want to apply at least two more coats, though, until the bubbling stops. Make sure you use quality joint compound for these coats. You can purchase this at any hardware store and it might come in a bucket or as a large bag that you can pour out. A cheap joint compound will cause your repair to look cheap too. Use a more expensive brand for a better-looking repair.
Conclusion
You might not be too excited about making a drywall repair. After all, the process can be messy and time-consuming. However, you can make the process easier by following these six tips. Keep these tips in mind as you work on your drywall repair and you’ll be able to complete the project a lot quicker. These tips will help you choose the right tools, prepare your repair area, apply the drywall mud and sand it down. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to complete your drywall repair in no time!
