How to Patch a Hole in a Wall
There are two methods to patch holes in walls. What method you will need to use is dependent on the type of hole. Small holes can be filled with patching plaster or spackling compound. Either of these two mixtures can be bought in a hardware store. Simply scoop a small amount of compound out of the container with a putty knife and apply to the hole.
After you have filled the hole, scrap the area with your putty knife so the patched area is flush with the hole. Wait for the area to dry. If the area was larger than a quarter, the compound may have shrunk slightly, leaving an impression where the hole was. Use another layer of compound and the same technique to make the patched area flush with the hole. When the hole is patched to your satisfaction, use a fine grit sandpaper to lightly smooth the area and eliminate any excess compound. Then repaint the wall.
If your hole is larger in size, you cannot just fill the area with spackling compound. You will need something solid to patch the hole. If your wall is gypsum board (the industry name for drywall), you will need a piece of gypsum board that is slightly larger than the hole to repair your wall. Gypsum board is sold in 4’x8′ sheets, but some home supply centers will sell you a half or quarter sheet. Regardless of the size of the sheet, the gypsum board should be inexpensive. You will also need a utility knife, putty knife, sandpaper, and some spackling compound.
The first step in repairing your wall is to cut the hole in your wall to a regular size. Carefully draw on the wall a square or rectangle that is the smallest possible shape while covering the hole. You must do this so you can cut a corresponding patch out of your gypsum board. Cut the square out carefully with your utility knife. Next cut a patch out of your gypsum board that is one inch large than your hole on all sides.
Place the patch with the paper (white) side down and carefully draw the actual size of the hole on the back of the patch. Be sure to center the square and measure carefully. You want this as exact as possible. Next, use your utility knife to cut on the lines you have made. Cut through the backing and the actual plaster, but do not cut through to the paper on the backside of the patch. Remove the backing and the plaster that you have cut away from the edges of the patch, being sure not to tear the paper.
You should now have a patch the size of your hole with the paper side slightly larger all the way around. Next liberally apply joint compound to the edges of the hole, and the edges of the patch. Carefully put the patch into place. Next smooth the paper edges of the patch carefully, working away from the center.
If your hole is particularly large, or exposed a stud, you might want to use a few screws to affix the patch into place. Be sure to buy the correct screws, they should explicitly say for use with drywall. Use one or two to attach your patch to the stud. If your hole almost reaches the stud, you might consider removing more of the original wall to apply a bigger patch that can be affixed to the stud with a screw. Unlike most screws, drywall screws are installed so they are slightly indented to the wall, and not flush with it.
Now apply a thin amount of joint compound over the entire patch, paying particular attention to the edges. Be sure to fill in any screw holes with compound. Wait for this patch to dry and then lightly sand the entire area. You should then be able to paint the area.
Patching a large hole may seem like a daunting task but by carefully following these steps you should be able to patch any hole, large or small. The key for doing a professional job is setting aside a time when you do not feel rushed to make your repairs. Then you can be assured that you will take the time to make the repairs look as good as the original wall.
