Drywall Repair Dos and Don’ts

Drywall can be tough, but it can still be destructible. Through time, drywall can have holes or cracks. However, if you need to repair drywall, you don’t need to worry. Here are some dos and don’ts to take note of while doing drywall repair. 

Do look for the right materials. 

Repairing minor problems in your drywall, like dents or scratches that are minor, can be fixed by drywall mud. With the use of a putty knife, smooth out the surface by applying drywall mud. However, always make sure that you only use drywall mud for surfaces with minor problems like scratches or shallow dents, because larger dents do not really hold out on the application of drywall mud and will eventually need repair again. 

Don’t take time. 

Some products are pre-made to keep tasks simple. Certain kits have a way of making small holes disappear. 

Do it neatly. 

Remember to avoid bumps or blemishes on your finish. By using a box cutter or any other blade that is sharp enough, cut edges that are frayed around the holes present before going for the drywall mud application. 

Do it lightly. 

When it comes to drywall mud application, it is better to use it lightly. If you coat it up too much, you will have trouble sanding it later on. Sanding a big bump to get a smooth finish can take time and defeats the purpose of the drywall mud and kits being convenient. 

Don’t cut cords 

Verify if the hole you are cutting through has any wires or electrical cords. Sometimes there are also plumbing lines to take precautions against as well. If you have a wall as thick as an inch, grab a flashlight and see what it has inside. However, if you do not have enough light to check through an inch-thick wall, always assume that there are wires inside that need to be intact, thus always take precautions. 

Don’t skimp on sanding. 

Always sand correctly. If you ever skimp on sanding, you need to expect the repaired area to not blend in with the rest. After the drywall mud has been applied and dried, use sandpaper with a fine grit to sand the area. Sand the first layer, then apply another layer of drywall mud and let it dry. After the second layer has been dried out, sand the repaired area again. 

Do protection. 

Some compounds that are found in drywall are very fine and can be damaging to the lungs. When repairing your drywall, always use a mask that can prevent dust. Moreover, use gloves to make sure your hands are protected from the effects of gypsum dust. Gypsum dust can be very dehydrating, thus using a pair of gloves helps in the repair process. 

Here are just some dos and don’ts that you can make use of when repairing your drywall. However, if you need help from the professional Orange County drywall contractors, feel free to contact us or reach us online.