The Best Tips for Sheetrock and Drywall Repairs

What’s good about sheetrock and drywall repairs is that they are very easy to do, so almost anyone with a little DIY knowledge or handyman aptitude and the right tools can get it done. However, without the right tools, the job can look sloppy and make a mess. Without the proper tools, a well-meaning DIY handyman can even destroy carpets. Why take the chance, when a professional can do the job in less than a day at a very reasonable rate.

Sheetrock and Drywall Repairs

Although sheetrock and drywall repairs are easy to do, if you don’t use the right tools and materials in the right order or if you miss a step, you may have to start over.

The best thing to do is gather all the materials and a sheetrock repair kit or the following tools:

  • Flexible drywall blades or knives – 3, 6, and 8 inches wide
  • A double-sided corner blade or knife
  • A drywall saw
  • A hammer
  • A utility knife
  • A screwdriver
  • A drill

Some repairs will require a nail puller or crowbar, a sanding block or sander, a four-foot level, and a hacksaw. You may already have some of these, if not you can pick these up at any hardware store.

The materials you will likely need are mesh tape, drywall compound, paper tape, screws, sand paper or hand sander, and drywall nails should be enough to complete most repairs. Though you may not need all of these tools and materials, it is better to have these handy rather than have to run out while you’re in the middle of the job. Additionally, you’ll want to have a good primer/sealer, particularly if there are water spots and matching paint unless you plan to repaint the entire wall. Depending on how long ago the drywall or sheetrock has been hung, it may be a good idea to plan on repainting everything.

Consider Safety Before You Begin Sheetrock and Drywall Repairs

Although these weren’t mentioned above, be sure to wear eye goggles and a dust mask to cover both nose and mouth. Many cancer-causing by-products were discovered in housing materials and even though those have supposedly been removed, the materials used are still respiratory irritants.

In addition, a full sheet of drywall can weigh 50 pounds or more, so lay it down instead of standing it up until you’re ready to use it.

Repair or Patch, then Seal & Prime Before Painting

So, now you’re ready to start those sheetrock and drywall repairs. For doorknob damage, they now make an aluminum screen patch that is covered with a fiberglass mesh. Peel off the back and press it in place, then use a 6” drywall blade to apply joint or drywall compound over the repair patch. Use three coats of compound and then sand, prime, and paint the last coat.

For damaged corners, cut the metal corner away with a hacksaw if necessary. Measure and cut a new metal corner and nail it in place, then use an 8” drywall blade and apply several coats of compound over the repair, then sand, prime, and paint the last coat.

The creeping crack can be the most frustrating repair because as the house settles the cracks will reappear. Therefore, you will need to periodically apply a thin coat of compound, let it dry and then apply another, sand it and then spray it with a crack coating elastic spray, and then sand, prime, and paint the last coat.

When drywall screws or nails come through the compound, cut a small hole above the nail or screw, tighten the screw or pound the nail back in and use that 3” drywall blade to apply two or three coats of compound, and then sand, prime, and paint the last coat.

The Bottom Line on Sheetrock and Drywall Repairs

Usually, these repairs can be done very easily with minimum effort, but when you do not have the materials and tools on-hand, it is usually less expensive to call a professional.

Contact the Professionals at Tell Projects

Contact us for a free consultation for your project at Tell Projects, or call (832) 730-2471. View our website or send an email when you have questions, info@tellprojectstx.com.

“Don’t Settle for Ordinary – Delivering Excellence in Craft & Service”

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