Drywall Patch

A common problem in your home may be a hole in your wall. This is a simple fix. You will need mesh tape, spackle, 1-2 putty knifes or spackle blades, sanding block or sponge, primer and matching paint. Clear any debris that might be pertruding out from your hole. Flatten out the edges of the whole by pressing lightly over the hole with your putty knife. Next, cut mesh tape to cover the hole and extend past the hole 2-3 inches all the way around. Apply the mesh tape until the hole is covered (You want the mesh tape to overlap halfway onto the last piece of tape you applied). The application of the mesh tape is crucial because this is what keeps the spackle together when it is applied. The mesh tape gives the spackle strength.

The next step is to apply the spackle. Press the spackle over the hole with your blade. You want enough to make sure you cant see the mesh anymore, and less enough so that you don't have a lump in your wall. A small lump is fine because you can sand it down. Cover all mesh tape. Let this first coat set up for a day until it cures. The next day apply a light second coat (Enough to clean things up and make it smooth). You want a smooth transition between the hole and wall, so spread the spackle out a little bit. Let this second coat set up for a day.

Your next step is to sand. You want the spackle to look like your wall, flat and with no lumps or grooves. Lightly sand over the hole, you do not want to sand down to the mesh, as this will require more spackle to fix. You test you sanding by brushing your hand over the wall to feel if it is smooth. If it is smooth and the wall looks appealing, you are ready for primer.

First brush over the area so that it is clear of spackle dust. All you need is water based cheap primer. You can even use the matching paint for a prime coat. Lightly brush over the spackle spot with the primer. You don't want a blob of paint over the spot because it will be noticeable. Let the primer dry for a few hours. Now you are ready for finish paint. Do the same application method as the primer, lightly feather the paint on. You want it to look like you were never there. Let the paint dry and you are done.