How to Patch Large Holes in Drywall
Posted in: I'm Moving, Home ImprovementWhen it comes to decorating rentals, we don’t hold back. That means that every wall is fair game when it comes to shelves, picture ledges, and frames galore. That’s because we are not afraid of creating a few holes in order to make our temporary home a little cozier and comfier. And why are we not afraid? Well, because patching holes really isn’t that hard or time-consuming.
If you want to get that security deposit back then you better get those walls fresh, clean, and hole-free!
We’ve already walked you through the steps to cover up nail holes quickly and easily in this post. But if you have larger holes, perhaps ones made from plastic or heavy-duty wall anchors, then there are a few more steps and supplies involved for this DIY project.
Here’s the easiest way to patch any large holes in your walls.
- Mesh tape & razor blade
- Spackle or joint compound
- Sanding block
- Putty knife
- Small paint roller
- Paint & primer
STEP 1:Get the plastic anchor out of the wall. You can use pliers for this step. Just try to minimize the damage, so you’re left with a clean hole to patch up.
STEP 2: Use the razor blade to cut off 2 small pieces of mesh tape.
STEP 3: Cover the hole with the mesh tape and let the 2 pieces overlap. Make sure they’re securely on the wall and lay flat against it.
STEP 4: Take your spackle or joint compound and put a light coat over the mesh tape. Key word….LIGHT! Feather it out towards the edges and try to keep everything as smooth as possible.
STEP 5:When your spackle dries, use a sanding block to smooth out the area. Repeat with 1-2 more light coats of spackle and sanding.
STEP 6: When your area is smooth and hole-free it’s time to get painting! Put a light coat of primer over the area and let that dry for 24 hours. Then, put a light coat of interior paint over the entire area. If you don’t have any paint leftover from your initial paint job, then you can easily pick up a sample from your local hardware store. Make sure you get the color & sheen to match exactly!BOOM! No more hole. See, that wasn’t that difficult now was it? Looks like someone is getting that big security deposit back. Ca-ching!