Fixing drywall : How to repair a patch like a PRO

by | Jun 10, 2022 | Blog

Fixing a hole in drywall can be one of your top concerns when getting ready for a move or maintaining your house. Drywall Boards are vulnerable to breaking and crumbling, but can easily be repaired with drywall compound a little sanding and painting. This project guide will show you how to patch drywall in a few easy steps. A full list of tools and materials for fixing drywall can be found at the bottom of the page.

1. Measure the hole you need to patch

Outlining a portion of damage drywall.
  • Clean all the broken pieces of drywall.
  • the hole have a circular shape so we tried to make it round as possible.

2. Cut a larger square piece about 2″ larger than the hole itself

cutting a section for drywall patching.

3. Turn over the cut off section

Getting the section of drywall ready to patch.
  • Carefully cut a circle as similar as possible to the hole in the wall
  • DON’T cut the front (gray) paper
  • Easily brake off the corners
Mixing joint compound.
20 minutes drywall compound

On a repairs like those I like to use the fast drying compound so I can speed up the process by cutting down dramatically the drying time. (of course you can use the premix compound, just wait longer between each coat)

  • Apply the joint compound on the patch you made, inside the broken drywall and around it.
  • You don’t need to use and joint paper as we created one by leaving the drywall front paper attached.
  • Use a 6-inch drywall taping knife to spread the compound on the patch to create a smooth, flat surface. 
  • Let the compound dry overnight, and then sand until smooth. Repeat with a second coat. 
  • For a very smooth drywall hole repair, spread a third coat with a 12-inch drywall taping knife and let dry overnight, then sand, wipe with a tack cloth and paint the area.
Applying second coat of compound on the hot patch.

Learning how to patch drywall yourself can also save you money as you won’t need to bring in a professional to fix a hole in drywall. As a renter, it is vital to know how to patch and fixing drywall so that you can make any needed repairs before you move out of a rental property. 

4. apply 3 coats, let it dry, sand and it will be ready for paint.

** This is only ONE method for repairing a small hole in a wall. For a bigger hole you will have to locate the nearest stud or to use lumber to do it securely and right. Consulting a professional is always recommended before trying do it yourself.

Materials used: 

Joint compound , Drywall panel, sanding block.