Steps for patching small holes in walls
- For small cracks and holes, Tom recommends a patching spackle that can be applied easily using a small putty knife. Spackles are generally applied in one coat and then lightly sanded before repainting.
- For a larger hole, Tom uses an adhesive metal patch that can be cut to size for reinforcement.
- He uses a putty knife to spread a thin layer of joint compound over the metal patch. Tom suggests building up many thin layers of joint compound with adequate dry time in between, rather than building up the joint compound too heavy and risk cracks.
- Later in the workshop, Tom shows another technique for patching a larger hole using a spare piece of drywall. Using a utility knife, Tom cuts a square piece of drywall larger than the hole he needs to patch.
- He then traces that piece over the hole and cuts the outline on the wall using a jab saw.
- Tom inserts a piece of scrap wood in the hole to act as reinforcement and screws it down using a drill/driver. He then screws the drywall patch to the wood using a drill/driver.
- Tom tapes around the perimeter of the drywall patch using drywall tape.
- Finally, he covers the entire patch with a thin layer of joint compound. Just like on the other patch, he recommends many thin layers of joint compound versus one heavy one.
Tools
Tools & Materials