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Wall Repair

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-629 -- More Projects »
Using tools and items from around the house, home expert Ben Allen demonstrates the best way to fix cracks and holes in plaster walls and wallboard.

Fixing a plaster crack

Steps:

PHOTO

Figure A

  1. To make a good repair on a crack, first make the crack bigger. A bottle opener scraped along the crack (making it a little bigger at the bottom than the top) is an ideal way to prepare the surface (figure A).

  2. Use a dry paintbrush to brush away any dust and debris.
PHOTO

Figure B
  • Apply spackling compound to the crack, forcing it in with a putty knife (figure B).

  • Let it dry for at least 15 minutes, sand the surface lightly with sandpaper, and apply paint as desired.

    Fixing a hole


    1. To repair a hole in drywall, first enlarge the hole, giving it a square shape. The best tool to accomplish this is a drywall saw.
    • PHOTO

    Figure C
  • Cut a square around the hole (figure C), letting the square fall inward.

  • Take a paint-stirring stick and slip it into the space so that it can be screwed into the wall at the top and bottom of the square hole. Secure the stick to the wall with a drill and screws.

  • Use a utility knife to cut a patch of drywall to the dimensions of the hole. Home-supply stores often have small pieces of drywall available for free.

  • Fit the patch into the hole and screw it into the paint-stirring stick brace.
    • PHOTO

    Figure D
  • Cover the seams with mesh tape (figure D), apply compound, sand over it and apply paint as desired.
    • Resources
    Decorating 1-2-3: Faux Painting, Wallpapering, Window Treatments, Floors, Molding & Trim...
    by Home Depot; Ben Allen, Editor
    Meredith Corporation, 2000
    Order this title from Amazon.com.
    The full title is Decorating 1-2-3: Faux Painting, Wallpapering, Window Treatments, Floors, Molding & Trim, Lighting, Step-By-Step.

    Guests
    Ben Allen
    Executive Editor, Meredith Corporation, 1-2-3 Books
    Headquarters
    1716 Locust St.
    Des Moines, IA 50309-3023
    Phone: 515-284-2415
    Toll-free: 800-678-8091
    E-mail: HI123@mdp.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-629
    •Wall Repair
    •Using Shadow Boxes
    •Clothing Prints, Patterns
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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