Fixing a big hole in your drywall can seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials and techniques, it’s surprisingly manageable. Whether the damage was caused by an accident, renovation project, or just normal wear and tear, these steps will help you repair that eyesore and get your wall looking as good as new.
Materials Needed
Before getting started, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
- Drywall patch (sized to fit the hole)
- Joint compound (also called mud)
- Joint tape
- Drywall screws
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint
- Putty knife
- Taping knives
- Screwdriver
- Sanding block
- Dust mask
Select a drywall patch that’s slightly larger than the hole. Pre-sized patches are available, or you can cut a piece of drywall to size. For large holes, you may need multiple pieces of drywall. Make sure the patch thickness matches the existing drywall.
Prep the Hole
First things first – prep the hole so the drywall patch will fit right in:
- Use a utility knife to cut any ragged drywall edges so the hole has clean, straight sides.
- Remove any insulation or debris inside the hole.
- If the existing drywall edges are broken, trim them back to the center of the wall stud so the patch edge sits on a solid framing member.
Once prepped, hold the drywall patch in place over the hole to confirm it fits correctly before proceeding.
Secure the Patch
Next up, secure the drywall patch in the opening:
- Apply drywall joint compound to the edges of the hole with a putty knife. This helps create a tight seal between the patch and existing wall.
- Press the drywall patch firmly into the hole. Make sure the edges are flush with the wall surface.
- Drive drywall screws through the patch and into the studs on all sides to firmly secure it in place. Make sure the screw heads sit slightly below the surface.
- Apply more joint compound over the screw heads to completely seal them. Let the compound dry fully.
The drywall patch should now be solidly mounted over the hole. Time to finish up the repair job.
Tape and Mud the Seams
Here’s how to make sure the seams between the patch and wall are smooth and seamless:
- With a taping knife, apply a thin layer of joint compound over every seam between the drywall patch and existing wall.
- Embed joint tape over each seam, pressing it into the compound with the taping knife. Smooth any wrinkles.
- Apply a second coat of compound over the tape, feathering it out about 8 inches beyond the seam edges. Let dry overnight.
- Lightly sand any high spots or ridges for a smooth surface. Carefully vacuum up dust.
- Finish with a third and final coat of joint compound, feathered out even farther. Let dry completely.
Pro tip: Avoid over-sanding between coats. The goal is just to knock down high spots, not remove layers completely.
Prime, Paint, and Finish Up
You’re nearing the home stretch! Just a few more steps:
- Once the joint compound is fully dry, sand any remaining high spots or ridges smooth. Vacuum dust.
- Lightly sand the drywall patch to rough up the surface slightly for good paint adhesion.
- Prime the sanded patch and let dry fully. This allows paint to go on evenly.
- Paint the patched area using a small roller and brush. Blend into existing wall color with feathery brush strokes.
- Add a second coat of paint if needed to completely hide the patched area.
- Stand back and congratulate yourself on expertly repairing that unsightly hole!
And that’s it – with the right prep, taping technique, and finishing touches, you’ve got a beautifully patched and painted wall ready to enjoy for years to come. No more staring at that eyesore. Well done!
FAQ About Repairing Large Drywall Holes
Still have some questions about fixing big drywall holes? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What’s the easiest way to cut a drywall patch?
Use a utility knife and straightedge to score the drywall face paper. Snap the piece along the score line. A keyhole saw also works well.
What if the hole is near a corner or edge?
You can screw a partial patch in place. Finish off the patch with joint compound built up in thin layers.
How can I match existing drywall texture?
Take a texture sample to a home improvement store. They can identify the texture and recommend products to recreate it.
How long does joint compound need to dry?
Drying times vary by temperature, humidity, and layer thickness. Thin coats may dry in 4-8 hours, while thick layers could take 24 hours or more.
When should I use joint tape vs. mesh tape?
Paper joint tape is best for cracks and seams between drywall pieces. Fiberglass mesh is optimal for corners and patching small holes.
What’s the best way to feather out edges?
Pull compound outward from the center using sweeping strokes. Work in increasingly wider passes until the edge blends away.
Can I finish drywall patches without sanding?
It’s possible with thin, meticulous coats, but light sanding ensures surfaces are smooth and ready for paint.
How many coats of paint for the patched area?
Typically two coats – primer and paint. The patch may require an extra paint coat to match the surrounding wall sheen.
Conclusion
Fixing drywall holes can be an easy DIY project with the right materials and techniques. Carefully cut around the damaged area, secure a same-thickness drywall patch, tape and finish the seams, prime and paint to blend. With a bit of patience during drying time, you can have your wall looking like new again. Handling a big drywall hole repair job provides satisfying results and improves your home’s appearance.