Drywall Dent
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: August 30, 2010
Now you don’t have to worry about covering up a dent in your drywall with a picture. Here is a quick tip that will save your wall from dings and dents.
First you need to sand the surface thoroughly with coarse sandpaper and a sanding block. Remember the lower the weight on the sanding paper the coarser it is. For example, sanding paper with an 80 rating is far coarser than sandpaper with a 150 rating. If you use a course piece of sandpaper, this will give you a rough surface that will bond better to the compound you will be using.
Using a 3 or 4-inch spreader, fill the dent with a good grade of all purpose joint compound, larger dents may need a second coat but you will have to wait until the first coat is dry. It usually takes about twenty four hours for the compound to dry completely so plan on taking your time on this project.
Once the compound has dried completely sand the area smooth using fine sandpaper (one with a high rating) and a sanding block. Sand it just enough to remove the high spots and blend the edges. Be careful not to sand so much that you create a low spot where you have just patched.
Rub your hand over the area several times as you sand and stop when you no longer feel any difference between the patch and the surrounding area.
Touch up with paint and your wall will look as good as new!
If you want to repair cracks in your drywall there are various types of materials you can use. Be sure to always read the manufacturers instructions carefully before you begin any new project.
Before you begin patching a crack be sure to clean the area thoroughly by removing any loose material from the crack. If there are any high spots, sand them down with coarse sandpaper before applying you compound.
Once you have cleaned the crack apply your patching plaster with a wide, flexible putty knife. Be sure to apply the compound in both directions across the crack pressing the compound firmly into the crack. You can scrape off any excess material buy running the knife along the length of the crack.
Once the compound has dried thoroughly sand smooth and touch up. You may want to dip the putty knife in water to make a final pass.
For small holes up to six inches in can be patched by using a “drywall bandage.”
First, using a drywall saw, you will need to cut a square or rectangle out around the hole. Then cut a drywall patch the same shape of the hole you just cut out of the drywall. This patch should be 2 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the hole itself.
With the finish side of the patch down, use a straight edge and a utility knife to cut down through the backside of the patch 1 inch in from all sides. Cut down to the finish layer but not through it. Remove the backing and core from around the patch leaving only the outer layer of paper being careful not to tear the outer layer of paper.
Next, apply a thin layer of joint compound around the edges of the hole and place the drywall bandage into the hole. Use a putty knife to work the paper edges of the patch into the joint compound feathering the compound as you go. When the patch dries, sand lightly and apply and very thin coat of compound around the entire area. Once the compound has dried completely sand lightly and prime and finish.
If you need to patch large holes in the drywall you will need a bracing system to support the patch material.
Using a keyhole or drywall saw, cut around the hole making a square or rectangle.
You can then use scraps of 2x4’s somewhat longer than the width of the hole as braces. Screw in the braces inside the hole at the top and bottom. Be sure to allow enough of the brace to extend into the hole itself to make it easy to secure the patch. Then cut a piece of drywall the same size and thickness of the hole. Place this piece into the hole and secure with drywall screws (which you can pick up at your local hardware or home center). Drive the crews through the drywall into the 2x4 braces at the top and bottom.
Next coat the patch with some joint compound and make sure to press the compound into any cracks or screw holes around the patch. Smooth the patch as much as you can with a putty knife and allow it to dry.
Once the compound is completely dry, sand the patch with fine sandpaper, feathering the edges into the surrounding area. Then touch up as needed.
Remember to take your time and allow the compound to always dry thoroughly or else you will find yourself sanding away the compound and making a bigger mess than before.
We hope these Quick Tips will help you keep your walls smooth and “healthy”!
First you need to sand the surface thoroughly with coarse sandpaper and a sanding block. Remember the lower the weight on the sanding paper the coarser it is. For example, sanding paper with an 80 rating is far coarser than sandpaper with a 150 rating. If you use a course piece of sandpaper, this will give you a rough surface that will bond better to the compound you will be using.
Using a 3 or 4-inch spreader, fill the dent with a good grade of all purpose joint compound, larger dents may need a second coat but you will have to wait until the first coat is dry. It usually takes about twenty four hours for the compound to dry completely so plan on taking your time on this project.
Once the compound has dried completely sand the area smooth using fine sandpaper (one with a high rating) and a sanding block. Sand it just enough to remove the high spots and blend the edges. Be careful not to sand so much that you create a low spot where you have just patched.
Rub your hand over the area several times as you sand and stop when you no longer feel any difference between the patch and the surrounding area.
Touch up with paint and your wall will look as good as new!
If you want to repair cracks in your drywall there are various types of materials you can use. Be sure to always read the manufacturers instructions carefully before you begin any new project.
Before you begin patching a crack be sure to clean the area thoroughly by removing any loose material from the crack. If there are any high spots, sand them down with coarse sandpaper before applying you compound.
Once you have cleaned the crack apply your patching plaster with a wide, flexible putty knife. Be sure to apply the compound in both directions across the crack pressing the compound firmly into the crack. You can scrape off any excess material buy running the knife along the length of the crack.
Once the compound has dried thoroughly sand smooth and touch up. You may want to dip the putty knife in water to make a final pass.
For small holes up to six inches in can be patched by using a “drywall bandage.”
First, using a drywall saw, you will need to cut a square or rectangle out around the hole. Then cut a drywall patch the same shape of the hole you just cut out of the drywall. This patch should be 2 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the hole itself.
With the finish side of the patch down, use a straight edge and a utility knife to cut down through the backside of the patch 1 inch in from all sides. Cut down to the finish layer but not through it. Remove the backing and core from around the patch leaving only the outer layer of paper being careful not to tear the outer layer of paper.
Next, apply a thin layer of joint compound around the edges of the hole and place the drywall bandage into the hole. Use a putty knife to work the paper edges of the patch into the joint compound feathering the compound as you go. When the patch dries, sand lightly and apply and very thin coat of compound around the entire area. Once the compound has dried completely sand lightly and prime and finish.
If you need to patch large holes in the drywall you will need a bracing system to support the patch material.
Using a keyhole or drywall saw, cut around the hole making a square or rectangle.
You can then use scraps of 2x4’s somewhat longer than the width of the hole as braces. Screw in the braces inside the hole at the top and bottom. Be sure to allow enough of the brace to extend into the hole itself to make it easy to secure the patch. Then cut a piece of drywall the same size and thickness of the hole. Place this piece into the hole and secure with drywall screws (which you can pick up at your local hardware or home center). Drive the crews through the drywall into the 2x4 braces at the top and bottom.
Next coat the patch with some joint compound and make sure to press the compound into any cracks or screw holes around the patch. Smooth the patch as much as you can with a putty knife and allow it to dry.
Once the compound is completely dry, sand the patch with fine sandpaper, feathering the edges into the surrounding area. Then touch up as needed.
Remember to take your time and allow the compound to always dry thoroughly or else you will find yourself sanding away the compound and making a bigger mess than before.
We hope these Quick Tips will help you keep your walls smooth and “healthy”!
