Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by lindseymahoney
Patching a drywall hole might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can make your walls look as good as new. This tutorial will guide you through the process, including a handy trick using a paint stick to support larger holes.
Let’s get started with this step-by-step guide!
Table of Contents
- How to Patch a Large Drywall Hole Using a Paint Stick
- 1 | Assess the Damaged Area of the Wall
- 2 | Clean the Repair Area
- 3 | Measure and Cut the Drywall Patch
- 4 | Use Paint Stick for Support
- 5 | Attach the Drywall Piece
- 6 | Apply Drywall Tape
- 7 | Apply Drywall Joint Compound
- 8 | Sand and Reapply Compound
- 9 | Prime and Paint
- 10 | Inspect Your Work
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How to Patch a Large Drywall Hole Using a Paint Stick
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When we replaced the light fixtures in our foyer, the sconce on the wall had to be raised higher so we didn’t run into the fixture. The electrician cut the new hole in the drywall and gave us the cutout piece to patch the old hole in the wall.
I have patched smaller holes before using a patch kit or just drywall tape and joint compound, but this was the first time I tried my hand at a larger hole in the wall.
Materials Needed
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- Drywall patch kit or a piece of drywall
- Paint stick (free at local paint stores)
- Measuring tape
- Drywall screws
- Driver and Drill
- Joint compound
- Drywall tape
- Sanding sponge or sandpaper
- Primer and paint
- Putty knife
- Utility Knife
- Paint roller
1 | Assess the Damaged Area of the Wall
Determine the size of the hole. Small holes (under 1/2 inch) can be patched with spackle. Medium-sized holes and larger holes will need a more robust repair, possibly requiring a piece of drywall and additional support.
2 | Clean the Repair Area
Use a utility knife to clean up any rough or loose drywall around the hole. Cut the hole into a neat square or rectangle to make it easier to patch.
The electricians cut a nice clean hole for our sconce and the drywall they removed fit perfectly into the hole where the old sconce used to sit.
3 | Measure and Cut the Drywall Patch
Measure the dimensions of the hole on a scrap of drywall and cut a piece to fit snugly. If you are using a pre-made patch, ensure it is slightly larger than the hole.
4 | Use Paint Stick for Support
For larger holes (over 2 inches), you’ll need to create a backing to support the patch. A paint stick works perfectly for this.
Insert the paint stick into the hole, positioning it so that it spans the hole horizontally. Hold it in place and use drywall screws to secure it through the existing drywall. I pre-drilled small holes into the wall and stir stick for the screws to catch. This provides a stable backing to attach the new drywall piece.
For this particular project, I used drywall screws to attach the paint stick. I have heard of other people using glue to attach the paint stick to the back of the drywall, but I have not tried this technique.
5 | Attach the Drywall Piece
Place the drywall patch over the hole and screw it into the paint stick backing and the edges of the existing drywall. Make sure it is flush with the wall surface and the screw head is not protruding at all.
6 | Apply Drywall Tape
Place joint tape over the seams where the new drywall patch meets the existing drywall. This helps to reinforce the repair and prevent cracks.
I applied tape over the screw holes as well.
7 | Apply Drywall Joint Compound
Use a putty knife to spread a thin layer of drywall mud over the taped seams.
Feather the edges to blend it smoothly into the surrounding wall. Let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8 | Sand and Reapply Compound
Once the drywall compound is dry, sand it smooth using a sanding sponge or sandpaper.
Apply a second coat of compound, feathering the edges further out. Let it dry and sand it smooth again. I recommend using a dust mask when sanding the spackling compound.
When the sanding is complete, use a damp rag to wipe the dust from the repaired area of the wall.
9 | Prime and Paint
Apply a coat of primer over the patched area to prepare it for painting. Once the primer is dry, paint the area to match the rest of the wall, in my case, I applied Evergreen Fog to the wall. You may need to apply multiple coats to achieve full coverage.
10 | Inspect Your Work
After the paint has dried, inspect the area to ensure the patch has a smooth finish and blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall.
Congratulations, you now know how to patch a wall hole with this easy paint stick trick! This is a relatively easy DIY project and all of the materials can be found at Home Depot or other local hardware stores.