How to Repair Larger Holes in Drywall

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Find a piece of drywall that is at least 2" bigger on all 4 sides that is the same thickness of the existing drywall (max size 12").

   Be sure that you remove all damaged drywall! , Doing this means that later you can just cut and transfer the measurements onto the backside or brown side of the piece of drywall that you are going to use, making sure that there is that 2" perimeter around the square. ,, Clean the excess, being careful not to damage the white side of paper on the drywall.
   
   After doing this you should have a square the same size as your hole with a 2" border of just the paper from the drywall left over.
   
   Be sure that the patch fits in the hole before proceeding to the next step if it is too small that is acceptable, if it is too big trim the brown side of the patch to match the hole. , The amount is dependent on the size of hole, use the idea that you can always mix more or if you mix it right you can use it on other projects. ,,, By doing so you will make the patch stick to the wall by removing the excess mud. (Note:
   You will know that you are done when the patch is level with the wall.) , Let dry overnight. , This is where you take your time and make sure that you don't have too much sanding. , One term for this is a California Patch.
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   Step 2: Cut out the damaged area of the existing drywall to a perfect square

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   Step 3: even on all sides.

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   Step 4: Measure the size of the hole .

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   Step 5: Once the measurements have been applied cut from edge to edge of the drywall so that you have a square in the middle and a 2" perimeter around the square (the back should look like a number sign "#").

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   Step 6: Gently break the outer 2" area of the gypsum (the white powder substance in between the 2 pieces of paper that make up drywall) and the brown paper off.

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   Step 7: Take some pre-mixed lite drywall compound and put it in a small pail and mix about 1/8 of water into compound and stir till the consistency is like pancake batter.

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   Step 8: Apply the mud onto the brown side of your patch

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   Step 9: 2" strip that is around your square patch and around the hole on the wall.

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    Step 10: Take your patch and place it in the hole so that the piece drywall is level with your existing wall with lots of mud in between the patch and wall.

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    Step 11: Take your 5" drywall mud knife and remove all excess mud.

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    Step 12: Put a coat of mud (about 1/8" thick) on the entire perimeter of the drywall patch

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    Step 13: making sure that all of the paper portion of the 2" strip is coated.

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    Step 14: Lightly sand and apply a final coat.

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    Step 15: Final sand happens in 2 days from start to finish and after painting is complete it is worth the effort.

Detailed Guide

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