Bedroom Wall Repair

Tools and Materials:

paint and primer
one sheet 1/2-inch drywall
one bag 45-minute joint compound
two 2x4x8 boards
cordless drill with battery and magnetic screw tip
drywall jab saw
drywall sanders
level and measuring tape
safety glasses
utility knife

Steps:

1. Clear the room of furniture, or at least move everything to the center, so you have room to work.

2. If a wall is damaged by a water leak, check to see if there is any further damage, mold or mildew. If there is, treat with an anti-mold solution before proceeding.

3. The easiest way to patch a hole in drywall is to cut the patch first. Cut the patch about 1-inch wider than necessary, then hold it in place and trace the outline of the patch onto the old drywall.

4. Move the patch out of the way and cut away the old drywall, following the line. Tracing the patch on the wall ensures a nice, tight fit.

5. File the cut edges of the drywall patch before screwing it into place. If the new cut did not land on a stud, add a new stud install a 2x4 block to support the new piece.

6. Mix the 45-minute joint compound (also known as hot mud) to a peanut-butter like consistency. Spread a thin layer over the seam, then lay in a strip of paper tape. Scrap off the excess and spread a thin layer of mud over the tape. For corners, lay in the tape and spread mud over just one side of the tape, and then do the other side of the corner after the first side dries.

7. Sand lightly after the first coat dries and then add a second coat of joint compound. Apply a third coat if necessary, then sand everything smooth after the final coat. Be sure not to sand down to the paper tape. There should always be mud over the tape.

8. Prime the patch and new drywall, then paint the whole room. If a patch goes all the way up to the ceiling, repaint the ceiling as well.