7 steps to repair a hole in the wall
Posted on: July 20, 2015
Holes in the wall are an ugly sight but they are not difficult to fix. Find out how you can do the simple job yourself in seven easy steps.
Did it happen when little Johnny was playing with his toy truck - dragging it across the wall? Or was it when you bumped that table as you were bringing it down the stairs? You don't know how and when it happened, but now there is a dent in one of your walls and it is keeping you awake at night. Not only is it an ugly sight, it could possibly be a health hazard.
The good news is that repairing it yourself is actually not as hard as it looks. With the right tools and technique, you could have that wall looking as good as new. However, remember to make sure you check the weather before you set out because you will to use some wet materials, which will need time to dry up.
Here is a step-by-step DIY guide to repairing a damaged wall:
Step 1: Tidy up
You will need to cut around the hole or dent to remove the damaged plasterboard. Start by neatly marking around the area you need to remove, leaving a square or rectangular hole. Next, you should create a level surface by using sanding sheets.
Step 2: Get started
Now, using scrap plasterboard or wood, cut a piece that is slightly narrower, but longer than the hole you are fixing. After pushing a long nail through the centre, apply good quality adhesive on each end of the piece.
Step 3: Delicate work
Slip the piece through the wall, using the nail as a handle. Move it into position and pull it against the wall lining. Hold it long enough for the adhesive to attached to the wall and leave it for at least 60 - 90 minutes to dry completely. Carefully, push the nail back so it drops to the back of the wall.
Step 4: The end is in sight
At this stage, there are a couple of options you can use moving forward.
The first method is to use a spare piece of plasterboard, with roughly the same dimensions as the hole. Then screw it in to the piece of wood that you attached inside the wall and cover with joint compound.
The second option is to cover the hole with stopping compound directly using a broadknife. Make sure you fill the hole appropriately and remove any excess from the surrounding space before it dries. You should now leave the repair work until the compound is completely dry.
Step 5 : More sanding
Once the compound is completely dry, tidy up the spot by removing bumps and sand the area some more if needed.
Step 6: Almost there
It is advisable to apply another second coat of compound, wait until the final application is dry and repeat step five.
Step 7: Final touches
To complete the job paint over the repaired patch, make sure you select the shade carefully and match it to the rest of the wall.
There you have it, a seven step method to have your wall looking as good as new. Remember help is only as far as your nearest Stratco branch.