Wall Patch

Tools:

ladder
towel
workbench
mud bucket
drywall knives
scrap board
pull saw
carpenter's square
caulk and caulking gun
scraper
bullnose plane
utility knife
pencil
plastic knife
sandpaper
screwdriver
screws
folding rule
spring clamps
dust mask
drywall mud
drywall tape
epoxy
high-strength epoxy putty
spray primer
scrap cardboard

1. Trim away any hanging paper from the water-damaged drywall using a utility knife. Use wet towel to smooth out any imperfections in the existing drywall mud.

2. Mix up some drywall mud and apply a few layers to the damaged area using a large drywall knife (figure A).

3. Cut off a piece of drywall tape and place it over any seams in the area. Place the tape so the natural curl is going against the ceiling or wall. Apply a smooth layer of drywall mud over the tape (figure B).

4. While the drywall mud dries, move on to patch the opening near the ceiling beam. Put on a dust mask and use a scraper to remove any flaking paint.

5. Measure the opening for the patch using a folding rule (figure C).

6. Transfer the measurements to a scrap piece of wood using a carpenter's square and pencil. Clamp the wood to a workbench and cut out the piece (or pieces) using a pull saw.

8. Return to the drywall patch you made earlier and apply a final coating of mud. Allow the mud to dry.

9. If necessary, trim down the ceiling beam adjacent to your patch to create a smooth surface. Use a bullnose plane to remove excess wood (figure E). Smooth out the rough spots with sandpaper. Wear a dust mask while trimming and sanding the wood.

10. Mix up epoxy putty and work into gaps using a plastic knife. Once it is dry come back and sand away rough edges.

11. Cover patched area with spray primer, using a scrap piece of cardboard as a shield to prevent over spray (figure F).

12. Caulk along joints to fill in gaps along the trim (figure G). Use non-toxic caulk and smooth the joints with your finger.

13. Admire your handiwork (figure H). Come back later and paint area to match.