Fixing Holes in Your Walls? Here's What You Need to Know
If you have any holes in your walls, it's important to repair them properly to maFixing Holes in Your Walls? Here's What You Need to Knowintain the structural integrity and appearance of your home. Holes can be caused by many things - installing shelves or cabinets, accidentally putting your fist through the wall, or even natural wear and tear over time. Whatever the cause, leaving holes unrepaired can lead to additional damage from pests, moisture, and debris getting inside the walls. The good news is that repairing holes in your walls is usually a straightforward DIY project.
In this blog post, we'll go over the steps for repairing common holes in drywall and plaster walls so you can get your walls looking good as new again.
Supplies Needed
- Drywall or plaster compound
- Drywall tape
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Paint to match existing wall color
Steps for Repairing Drywall Holes
- Clean the area around the hole - Remove any loose material or debris so you have a clean surface to work on. Vacuum the area to remove dust.
- Prepare the hole - Use a utility knife to cut any loose drywall edges so the hole has clean 90 degree angles. This helps the repair compound adhere properly.
- Apply drywall tape - For larger holes, place fiberglass mesh drywall tape over the hole to reinforce it. Secure with drywall compound.
- Fill the hole with compound - Use a putty knife to apply drywall compound over the hole, pressing it into the edges. Apply 2-3 layers, allowing it to fully dry between coats.
- Sand the repair smooth - Once dry, sand the area so it's smooth and flush with the wall surface.
- Apply primer and paint - Prime the sanded area then paint with a color matched to your existing wall color. Allow the paint to fully dry.
- Finish the repair - The hole can now be finished off with baseboard trim, crown molding, or whatever matches the existing wall décor. Enjoy your newly patched hole!
Steps for Repairing Plaster Wall Holes
- Prep the hole - Remove any loose material then undercut the edges slightly so the repair compound keys in better.
- Apply plaster washers - Place metal plaster washers over the hole, pushing them slightly into the plaster. This strengthens the repair.
- Fill with compound - Use a putty knife to fill the hole with joint compound, applying several layers as needed.
- Sand smooth when dry - Sand until the repaired area is flush with the surrounding wall.
- Finish and paint - Apply primer then topcoat paint to match your existing color. Install molding or décor over the repaired hole.
Contact a Professional If Needed
Some wall holes may be too big or complex for DIY repair. Holes around windows, large holes exposing wall studs, or water-damaged walls need professional repair services. Don't try to patch these yourself or you could compromise the wall structure. Call a reputable construction company like Apcon LLC for proper repairs.
Our Tacoma construction technicians have years of experience fixing all types of wall damage. We can match your wall texture and colors perfectly for seamless repairs. Contact us today for hole repair quotes!
Conclusion:
With the right materials and techniques, repairing small to medium sized holes in drywall or plaster is usually a simple, cost-effective home project. Just remember to properly clean and prepare the hole, reinforce gaps as needed, apply multiple thin layers of compound, sand everything smooth, then prime and paint the repair area. If your wall holes seem too large or complex, call in a professional like Apcon LLC to ensure structural integrity and aesthetically pleasing results. Your walls will look good as new again in no time!