If you have a hole in your wall, you can repair it yourself by patching it up with a spackle or a wire mesh patch. These materials are readily available in your home and can be used to improve a hole in any wall. However, if the gap is more significant than 4 inches, you will have to replace the entire drywall. Before you begin patching, it is essential to know where the wires and utilities are located. This can be done with a stud finder. You will also need a carpenter’s square to draw a line above and below the hole, marking the studs on either side.
Next, cut a wooden board that’s two inches wide. It will support the new drywall so that it won’t fall back into the wall. This technique is beneficial if you’re working with old wall fasteners. If you’re dealing with a small hole, you’ll want to tap the spot to make it slightly concave.
The next step is to make the patch with the rest of the wall. This will ensure that it will cover the entire hole without causing any glaring appearance to the room. If you don’t want to expose the repair, you can use a drywall template to trace a square around the hole. Once you have outlined the patch, you can secure it with drywall screws.
If you’re working on a giant hole, it’s necessary to use a bridging material. This will provide some strength before you apply the patching compound. You can buy a small kit of this material for less than $2. The fiberglass mesh should overlap the hole by one inch on all sides and be pressed onto the wall.
If the hole is smaller, you can apply a coat of spray paint. You can also use sandpaper to smooth the new plaster. You can also use texture spray, which will mimic the look of the original wall. However, it’s important to remember that this method will only work if the hole is smaller than two to four inches.
You’ll have to use a drywall patching compound if you’re working on a giant hole. To do this, you’ll need to cut a piece of drywall more extensive than the hole. Then, you’ll need to apply drywall compound over the patch.
Spackle is another helpful tool for the repair of walls. It’s best to work with fresh spackle, which will be easier than dry. To apply spackle:
- Use a flexible metal putty knife.
- Spread it evenly on the wall and drag it down with your knife.
- When finished, feather the edges to ensure a smooth finish.
Next, you need to smooth the edges of the hole before applying the patching compound. If the edges of the hole are uneven, the patching compound will not stick well. Sandpaper is a great tool for smoothing out rough edges. Ensure that you leave 1/2 inch of space on each side of the hole.