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Patching Holes in Drywall
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CAUTION!
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Determine where the electrical
wiring is located before cutting into a wall.
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Before applying paint, paper or other
covering to your walls, you need to repair any holes.
- Fill nail holes and small punctures
with spackling compound. When dry, sand lightly.
- If the hole is next to an electrical
outlet, you may be able to conceal the damage with a larger
outlet box or an oversized outlet cover plate.
- For larger holes, you will need to
patch the damaged area.
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Fix-It
Tip!
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If
the hole is no bigger than two inches, repair
with fiberglass tape. Stretch tape across the
hole. Apply two or three coats of joint compound
and sand between coats.
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Materials
you will need:
- 2 pieces of 1 x 3 inch scrap wood
for backer board
- Drywall scrap for patch
- 1 and ¼ inch drywall screws
- Self-sticking fiberglass tape
- Joint compound
- Fine-grit sandpaper
 Tools
you will need:
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife or keyhole saw
- Wood saw
- Screwdriver
- 6-inch taping knife
STEP 1: Enlarge and Square Up
Cut a square area larger than the hole with a utility
knife or keyhole saw.
 STEP
2: Prepare Backer Boards
Cut two backer boards so they are 2 to 3 inches wider
than the hole.
 STEP
3: Secure Backer Boards
Place a backer board inside the hole at top edge. Secure
with 1-1/4 drywall screws, holding the board in place as you
work. Tighten until screw heads are below the surface. Place
second backer board inside lower edge of opening. Secure with
screws.
 STEP
4: Install Patch
Cut patch to fit opening. Screw patch to the backer and
tighten until screw heads are below the surface.
STEP 5: Tape Seams
Apply strips of fiberglass tape over seams.
 STEP
6: Apply Joint Compound
Cover tape with a thin coat of compound. When dry, sand lightly.
Apply two more coats. Feather and sand each coat until the
surface is smooth.
Patching
Large Holes
For holes larger than 8 inches, cut
drywall back to middle of the studs bordering the hole. Butt
backer boards to studs and secure behind drywall with screws.
Fit patch into opening. Secure to the studs and backer boards
with screws. Finish with fiberglass tape and joint compound.
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