3 Popular Drywall Patching Techniques That Anyone Can Use
If the drywall in your home requires some patching done, it does not necessarily mean that you need to call in a professionalor a drywall estimator. There are many methods that home owners can use to fix holes and cracks in drywall themselves. From beginners to those who are quite handy around the home, there are options available for all experience levels. Below are three of the most popular drywall patching techniques that can be done by consumers themselves without shelling out the added costs to pay a maintenance professional.
Drywall Patching Kits
Perhaps one of the easiest options for home owners to use to repair their drywall, these patching kits can be purchased at any local home improvement or repair store. The kits generally include all materials needed except for the new drywall and come complete with step by step instructions.
Though these kits are easy to use and consist of basically joint compound that is smoothed over the crack or hole and then sanded smooth, they are not ideal for larger repairs. If you have more than a small hole or nick in your wall, ceiling or door, it is best to move on to a new technique. Patching kits also do not provide a very good finishing technique and are best suited for those who are new to home repairs.
Taping Drywall Patching Techniques
This is an option that can be used to fix larger holes or cracks and which is best used by someone who has a fair amount of experience in making repairs to their home. In this instance, a cutout is made around the damaged area and a new piece of drywall is cut with the same measurements. The taping helps to stabilize the repair and get it properly in place, while making sure that the patch is as inconspicuous as possible. Mudding as well as the mesh tape is applied to the back of the cutout and then gently shifted into place by pulling back on the tape as needed.
Bracketing Methods
Perhaps the most standard of all drywall patching techniques, the bracketing method is simple to do, but may require more knowledge about the use of household tools such as drills. In this method, a home owner needs to cut out the damaged area of drywall and find a suitable new piece that is cut to the same size.
Next, the new piece of drywall is attached in the cut out space by applying brackets or studs to the surrounding wall. Smaller patches may be fine with a simple metal clip or stud, but as the size of the patch gets larger a bracketing system may be required. This is the cleanest technique and allows for a home owner to completely disguise the repair once finished.
There is no need to call in the professionals when you have a damaged area of drywall. The three drywall patching techniques above are some of the most common and popular methods that can be used by home owners to do drywall ceiling repair for their themselves. Whether you are a beginner or are advanced in home repairs, the information above can help you find a patching method that would work best for you.
