Step 6: Seal The Patch
With your hole now covered, it’s time to bring the wall back to looking like it did before the damage. The first step is applying a quick-setting joint compound and mesh tape. While you can do this without using drywall tools, it will be much easier if you have a proper pan and drywall knife. Most home improvement stores will have these materials and tools for relatively cheap. Once you have everything you need, pour a small amount of the quick-setting joint compound into your pan and mix it with water until you have a smooth consistency.
Then using your 6-inch drywall knife fill all the sides of the patch you installed. This will help secure the patch to the wall. Once this has been set up and become hard, take the mesh tape and apply it across all four sides of the patch. Laying it halfway on both the existing drywall and the patch. Then you will want to mix more quick-setting compounds, and using your 6-inch drywall knife, coat across each piece of the mesh tape covering it completely.
Step 7: Finishing The Patch
Before starting this next step, you will need two different larger drywall knives, typically a 10-inch and 12-inch drywall knife. You will also need some all-purpose joint compound which you will also find at your local home improvement store and will only cost you about $10.
With these supplies in hand, scope out some of the all-purpose compounds into your drywall pan and mix them until it becomes a creamy consistency. Then with your 10-inch knife, smear the all-purpose mixture over the entire patch, and make sure that you flatten the outside edges of the compound so that it blends into the existing wall. Then once this compound has dried completely, repeat this process using the 12-inch knife.
Step 8: Texturing The Patch
Before jumping into texturing, you will need to sand down the dried compound. Using a drywall sponge sander, run it over all the applied combinations until it looks smooth. Then, a slightly damp kitchen sponge wet the compound’s outside edges, further blending it into the existing wall. Once you’ve completed this, you are ready to apply texture. The most common surface found in homes is orange peel, which you can purchase in a spray can. When using this texture, make sure you follow the instructions on the package closely so that it looks as close to the existing texture as possible.
Step 9: Paint Over The Patch
The final step is to paint over the patch to blend in with the rest of the wall completely. To start, you will want to use a primer specifically designed for covering up drywall patches. Once you have applied the primer and it has dried completely, using a brush or roller, apply the paint evenly over the entire area until the patch is no longer visible.
Your Wall Is Fixed!
And there you have it! By following these simple steps, you will be able to quickly, easily, and most importantly, cheaply fix that hole in your drywall! Patching a hole in the drywall may seem like a daunting task, but you’ll be able to do it like a pro with this guide! So the next time you have some damage to your drywall, don’t hesitate to fix it yourself! However, if you find the patch is too large to fix yourself or the texture is too unique, you may need to call a professional to help you fix it and create a matching look.
