No Sand, No Mesh, No Worries Drywall Patch

by Necole
(Leesburg, Fl)

If you have a a small hole, about five inches or less, you can patch it with nothing but drywall, mud, and a stick.

Step One - Cutting the Patch
First square up your hole and find out what size piece of drywall need. Next cut a piece of drywall 2" bigger on both dimensions than the size you need. Let's say your hole is 5"x3" after you get it squared up. You need to cut a 7"x5" piece. Then you need to score the two inches and break off the drywall leaving one side of the paper. Now you should have what looks to be a 7"x5" piece of drywall from one side, and looks like a 5"x3" piece of drywall framed with two inches of paper from the other side.

Step Two - Placing and Securing the Patch
Place a hole in the center of the patch. Run a string through the hole. Tie the string to a piece of wood large enough to be held in place behind the hole. Put the stick in place. Put the patch in place and pull the string tight so the wood will prevent the drywall form popping through (if it does you can pull it back out by pulling the string).

Step Three - Mud (no Sand)
Thin your mud down more than normal about to the consistency of cold latex paint. Add a few thin layers of mud at a time feathering out the edges gradually. Treat the paper backing as you would tape. After about seven layers, they dry fast, you should have a nice looking wall, with little or no sanding.

Step Four - Finish UP
Cut the string. Cover hole with a little mud or caulk and your good to go.

Materials:

Scrap of Drywall
Drywall mud
Piece of Wood
String
Mudding knifes