Do It Yourself Drywall Tips from Professionals

Doing drywall repairs may be the most common problem seen by homeowners. Fixing it yourself may be the cheapest option for you, but if you mess up it could end up costing more than you plan. Here are some basic tips from professional drywall repair contractors.

1. Mask off with tape to protect other areas. Once you start to add plaster or paint, it can get everywhere. Place tape strategically where it can protect things like door frames and baseboards.
2. Take away excess paint or drywall. Using tools like a screwdriver or a sandpaper block, take away any loose pieces of the drywall or paint.
3. Dust off. Using a damp cloth brush away extra dust that could get in the way of the tape or plaster.
4. Apply mesh tape or mesh panel. In most drywall kits there is a mesh panel that is included. The mesh will help make the plaster firm.
5. Apply drywall joint compound. Using steel taping knife scoop out plaster and apply a thin layer. Feather out on all sides with a knife so it will blend in with surrounding areas.
6. Let dry and apply twice more, scraping plaster for bumps and ridges before each application.
7. Sand area using 100 grit or 120 grit sandpaper block. If the wall is textured, extra steps will have to be taken to mimic the texture. Speak to a painting professional to learn how to do texturing.
8. Prime so paint has the same gloss. If a primer is not used, the paint will look different than the rest of the wall in the sun. Feather out primer as well. 
9. Paint the area. For large or textured areas, ask an expert painting contractor for advice.

When doing extensive drywall repair or installation, professionals should be asked to come in. Drywall that is not properly installed can cause accidents or other problems that could be more expensive.

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