How to Fix Large Drywall Holes
- 1). Plunge the keyhole saw into the drywall and cut a square around the area to be repaired. You can measure and pencil in lines before cutting to ensure a straight cut and a stronger hold.
- 2). Grip the new drywall for the patching and cut a square section about 2 inches bigger than the hole that needs to be filled. In other words, if the hole is 9 inches on each side, the patch should be square with 11-inch sides. Place the patch on a table and draw lines that are 2 inches in from each of the four edges. The center should be the size of the hole that is to be patched.
- 3). Cut two pieces of 1-by-4-inch pine and secure them with screws to the top and bottom of the square behind the wall that you cut out.
- 4). Cut or score the pencil lines you drew on the patch with a sharp utility knife just enough to snap each side of the square and tear off the excess paper backing. This leaves you with the finished patch that should fit into the square you cut into the drywall. The patch should fit snugly and lean against the supports.
- 5). Using a putty knife, coat the drywall patch with compound. Extend the compound about an inch outside the patch to ensure a solid application. After the compound is dry, use fine-grade sandpaper to smooth out the dried excess, then apply mesh joint tape around each side of the square. Leave it to dry overnight.
- 6). Apply one more thin layer of compound to the patch and wait for it to dry. Once the patch dries, sand it one more time and wipe the dust from the area before painting.
- 7). Complete the project by painting the area the same color as the wall. Primer doesn't have to be used--the paint will adhere to the dried compound with a few coats.
