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HOW TO PATCH, REPAIR A SMALL HOLE IN DRYWALL (PAGE 1 OF 2) Okay, There are many different ways of patching a small hole in damaged sheetrock. I'm trying to keep this simple so I'll show you how to do it using regular joint compound. If you're comfortable using a quick setting joint compound (HotMud) you can save yourself a few days of wait time. I will show you step by step what I feel is the best way. You won't need to screw in backing boards or use special clips. You won't even need drywall tape. "This is Awesome!! "The Dutchman"
STEP 1 Using a drywall saw (In a pinch a steak knife will do), cut hole the shape of a square. Just eyeball it.
STEP 2 Once you have the hole somewhat square, take a utility knife and cut a piece of sheetrock. You want your patch piece to be bigger then the hole. I like to leave 1 to 2 inches all the way around the hole (Look at picture). Now flip the sheetrock over so the white side (finished side) is facing the wall.
STEP 3 Using the hole as your reference, Take your utility knife and score the back side of the sheetrock like you were playing tic tac toe. Again, just eyeball it. You want the middle piece just a little smaller then the hole. Now carefully snap the rock and peel off the back pieces leaving the face paper intact. Leave the center piece of sheetrock attached.
STEP 4 When you're finished it should look something like this. Now put the patch piece in hole and see if you have a nice fit. A little sloppy is okay. If it's too tight you might have to make the hole a little bigger or heck, you're having so much fun, you can always just start over with another piece of sheetrock. Don't force it, if it's too tight..
STEP 5 Now we get to start mudding. Mix up some all purpose joint compound. A rookies biggest mistake is trying to use mud straight from the bucket. Add a little water and thin the mud down. This way it is much easier to work with. There is a saying among drywall finishers, "You work the mud, don't let the mud work you" Not too thin. Smooth like pudding. Now using a 6 inch taping knife apply a generous bed of mud on patch area. Now butter up the back side of the patch. Don't be stingy with the mud. This is critical, any area without mud is a future air bubble and the patch will never be right.
STEP 6 Place buttered up patch into the thick bed of mud (Look at picture). You can see there is no chance of any air bubbles ruining my patch. Now take your taping knife and wipe patch smooth. Pull from inside working out. Don't play with it too much, just a few swipes to pull the excess mud out. 1 stroke down, one right, one left and one up..Done. Now let patch dry overnight.
