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Patching small hole in wallboard |
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Patching small hole in wallboard: |
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You can
repair small holes, up to 4" to 6", in drywall using
drywall bandages. To make a drywall bandage, use a
keyhole saw to make the hole into a square or a
rectangle ( Fig. 1 ). Cut a piece of drywall the same
shape as the hole. It should be 2" longer and 2"
wider than the hole.
Lay the piece of drywall down on a flat surface,
shiny side down. Measure the 1" from all four edges
and draw a line. This should form a shape the side
of the hole.
Using a straight edge and a utility knife, cut
through the drywall to the bottom layer. Do not cut
the bottom layer of paper. Using a putty knife,
remove the top layer of paper and core all the way
down to the bottom layer of paper ( Fig. 2 ). Be
careful not to tear the bottom layer.
The cut part of the patch should fit into the hole.
The paper edge should cover about 1" around the
hole. Apply a thin layer of patching compound around
the hole. Place the patch into the hole (Fig. 3).
Using a putty knife, work the paper edge down into
the compound. Feather the edges of the compound and
allow it to dry. You may need to sand lightly and
apply a second layer of compound to finish the
repair.
Larger hole, up to 12", require a slightly different
repair which provides more support. Again use a
keyhole saw to form the hole into a square or a
rectangle (Fig. 1).
Cut a patching piece of wallboard that's about 2"
larger than the hole to be repaired ( Fig 4 ). Punch
or drill two small holes through this piece of board
and tie a stick to it, as illustrated. Allow for
about 8" between the board and the stick.
Apply a smooth coat of good grade adhesive all
around the edges of the piece of patching material.
Insert the patching board through the hole and
position it so the adhesive fits firmly against the
solid area around the hole.
Now turn the stick clockwise twisting the string and
increasing pressure against the patch board at the
rear of the hole ( Fig. 5 ). When the string has been
thoroughly tightened, it will hold the board firmly
into place until the adhesive dries.
Give the adhesive time to dry. Then fill in the area
with a good grade of patching plaster ( Fig. 6 ).
Leave the stick and the string in position during
the patching process.
You may need to apply two or three layer of patching
plaster to build up the patched area. Always allow
one layer to dry before applying another.
Remove the stick and string just before the material
dries. Smooth out the area then let the patch dry
thoroughly.
When the area is completely dry, sand off all high
spots and apply a prime coat for paint or other
finish ( Fig. 7 )
Use a fine grade of sandpaper and a sanding block
for the finish sanding work. |
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