Patching Holes In Drywall

2. Peel off the backing paper from the Wall Guard Plate, then stick it to the wall directly over the damaged area.

3. The white plastic plate can be left as is or painted to match the wall. It will accept both oil- and latex-based paints.

1. Use a drywall saw to carefully cut away the damaged section, after you have marked the cut lines on the wall.

2. Install four metal mounting clips onto the edge of the cutout. Be sure the two spring tabs on each clip face out.

3. Cut a new drywall patch to fit the cutout, then secure it with two screws driven into each of the metal clips.

4. Grab onto the metal spring tabs with needlenose pliers and snap them off below the drywall surface.

5. Cover the seams around the drywall patch with strips of self-adhesive, fiberglass-mesh tape.

6. Spread a coat of joint compound over the whole patch — not just the taped seams. When it's dry, sand it smooth and repeat.