Drywall Patching Techniques Are Hard to Get Right
12 posts across 3 communities in the last 60 days; 83% from r/drywall.
“Hey all, Working on remodeling a basement and I took the old wall paneling off and I'm down to the studs. Before removing the wall, there was 2 holes near the bottom in each of these stud bays. I understand the one on the right is going into my HVAC unit and is likely a return…”
“Just bought a house with some incomplete renos. I’ve never seen double layer drywall with metal mesh. How do I repair this?”
“Hello everyone, My dad and I are drywalling the garage and there is a tricky spot I thought you may be able to lend your expertise too. How would you drywall this area? I cannot get our drills in there to screw it in, would you just silicone it? Thanks in advance!”
Homeowners are frequently encountering issues with drywall, including gaps left by plasterers, uneven framing, and the need for patching after installations like EV chargers. Many are seeking advice on proper repair techniques and finishes, highlighting frustration with the process and quality of work.
SOURCES (56)
“Reddit fam, I am trying to DIY my 4in diameter drywall holes, but I’m stuck with these (photos attached). The drywall and wood behind it are too thick and idk what to put to hold the wood backings I bought. I have 2 inch drywall…”
“Electrician did some repair work. I was planning to do the drywall repair myself but noticed since it’s an old 1950s building that it is some plaster combo thing When I look at it closer, it looks like 2 drywall boards glued together When I patch this, should I be installing 2 layers of drywall on top of each other after adding blocking and the hot mud? Or should I do 1 layer of drywall with tons of hot mud submitted by /u/cgnuoy213 [link] [comments]”
“Hey all, Working on remodeling a basement and I took the old wall paneling off and I'm down to the studs. Before removing the wall, there was 2 holes near the bottom in each of these stud bays. I understand the one on the right is going into my HVAC unit and is likely a return. There is a supply on the ceiling behind me. My question is - does the bay on the left with the metal plate serve any purpose for the HVAC system? I can't wrap my head around it conceptually because if I put a hole”
“Doing a Reno and will be attempting to do drywall for first time , had to remove about 2 ft from floor to re do all electrical , what is best practice to patch the lower section of wall . Do I want the tapered factory edge on the floor side or butt up to the old drywall ? submitted by /u/Awkward-Sun8166 [link] [comments]”
“Adding drywall to the inside of the garage door mounting brackets. I’m assuming I should I be adding some wood for the sheet rock to anchor to? Last house didn’t have these dead spaces. submitted by /u/Yo-GabberGabber [link] [comments]”
“Landlord had someone do this repair after the electrical was updated. It makes me nuts every time I look at it but I’m a bit of a drywall rookie. How would I fix it? What do I need? Second photo is another repair by the same guy. Would I follow the same process as repairing the first one? Or was this one just lack of primer? submitted by /u/mmmargbarg [link] [comments]”
“Hi all! Relatively new to this kind of DIY-ing. Trying to convert a large under-the-stairs space into a children’s reading nook. I noticed these gaps in the drywall (among others) and not really sure how to fill ones this narrow or irregular before priming and painting. Any advice is greatly appreciated! submitted by /u/skylescraper [link] [comments]”
“I need some advice. My electrician told me it was important for the drywall to be cut close to the box so the metal tabs from the outlets could sit on top of the drywall. The studs in my house are not straight so the boxes end up slightly crooked. The drywaller says the cutouts should be larger than the box. The picture shows what was done. Could use some advice on the correct way to handle this. Does the drywaller need to fix it, or is this normal? submitted by /u/AndrewBillingswort”
“Is there a way to or how would you make it look good/more finished around the window?? Yes I know the drywall that is up isn’t up the best or put up “correctly” or anything. This is my garage, I had originally bought it so I could practice before I did my basement myself. I have since changed my mind and am paying someone to do my basement though. Have the drywall though at this point so might as well still finish the garage. Not worried about it being up 100% correct or looking the best or anyt”
“For the small hole, I’m wondering if I can just use some DryDex and scrape over it or if I need to cut out a larger area, install blocking behind the hole, and put in a larger section of drywall with all-purpose mud. For the hole near the HVAC lines I’m a little stumped. What would you all do? submitted by /u/No_Reveal3451 [link] [comments]”
“Had an electrician home out ot moves some switches and he had to punch through the drywall and bottom plate. The wire kind of sticks out so I imagine I need to be careful to not get any drywall mud dry on the wire, thus making the wire stuck in place. I've never repaired drywall before. What's the best way to go about this? Can I just fill the void with mud, put tape over that, and then mud again? https://preview.redd.it/in0yc4ocftlh1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d4”
“I’m working on closing up a gap from an old doorway with a piece of drywall. The entire wall (and the adjacent wall) will be painted and finished smooth. The wall is otherwise drywall, with a metal stud along the edge of the opening. In addition, the wall curves outward slightly where it meets the opening, which makes things a bit tricky. I’ve now started applying joint compound and have put paper tape over the joint, with a thin layer of compound over it. The plan is to apply another coat and t”
“I’m working on closing up a gap from an old doorway with a piece of drywall. The entire wall (and the adjacent wall) will be painted and finished smooth. The wall is otherwise drywall, with a metal stud along the edge of the opening. In addition, the wall curves outward slightly where it meets the opening, which makes things a bit tricky. I’ve now started applying joint compound and have put paper tape over the joint, with a thin layer of compound over it. The plan is to apply another coat and t”
“Just bought a house with some incomplete renos. I’ve never seen double layer drywall with metal mesh. How do I repair this? submitted by /u/GhostD06 [link] [comments]”
“Had to cut out a load bearing stud to fit a new eletrical panel. Was literally no way around it but I’m looking for advice on what a pro would do to clean this up to where if it were ever opened again it’d make sense. The stud we cut was where the top plate meets another board. I put another board and nailed it in but I’m worried that’s not enough. Can I shove a 2x6 in that gap cut to size and call it a day? submitted by /u/Michasonn1788 [link] [comments]”
“Hey there, everyone. I just had an abs straight pipe get fixed and the plumber had to obviously cut out some of my drywall in order to do what he had to do. He added some coupling clamps to install the new ABS pipe that he had to connect to the original line and the original ABS pipe was already basically snug between my drywall. Now with the coupling clamps, it’s creating more of a bulge and I need to obviously patch it over with drywall but I am not an expert with this stuff. I assume I’m gonn”
“There’s a large gap in the corner. One wall is dry wall and the other side is wood paneling. submitted by /u/Cyancrackers [link] [comments]”
“What are the best ways to fix these gaps around these ceiling lights on a textured ceiling? Thanks for the help! submitted by /u/Candid_Breadfruit_60 [link] [comments]”
“Hello everyone, My dad and I are drywalling the garage and there is a tricky spot I thought you may be able to lend your expertise too. How would you drywall this area? I cannot get our drills in there to screw it in, would you just silicone it? Thanks in advance! submitted by /u/Cruelgrasp [link] [comments]”
“So just had drywall done in my garage and it looks like there's a good 1" gap from the concrete pad; is this normal? submitted by /u/Alert-Marsupial-1727 [link] [comments]”
“Had a new switch box run in my garage, it’s a flanged box with foam gasket, how do I drywall over this? Won’t the drywall be proud by 1/8 or so now? submitted by /u/Sensitive-Egg-107 [link] [comments]”
“My drywall is like butter. It scuffs and scratches soooo easily. How can I repair this! How can I avoid this in the future? submitted by /u/ApprehensiveMilk8697 [link] [comments]”
“I'm repairing an old electrical outlet opening that's about 90 × 55 mm (3.5" × 2.2"). My plan is: Install a wood backer behind the opening. Fill the opening entirely with 45-minute setting compound (no drywall patch). Finish with a skim coat Since the opening is relatively small and fully supported by the wood backer, would you consider this an acceptable repair, or would you still recommend using a drywall patch and/or tape? I'd love to hear what you would do in t”
“Hi. I'm a college student with minor experience in drywall stuff when I was finishing my basement. Im tryna help my friend fix some holes in his college apt so he can avoid some fees. Need some help + recommendations. Fixes don't need to be perfect at all, just enough to pass inspection. The steps I plan to follow are: Push in the loose material, spackling tape or drywall patch (idk which one to use), Plus-3 or All Purpose (idk which one), Sand, Paint. Questions: Pic 3 and 4 are on a doo”
“Would it be easier/cheaper to fix this myself and buy tools and required materials, or hire someone? What methods are best to repair this and what tools would I need? submitted by /u/Illustrator-Pro [link] [comments]”
“We recently had a garage door installed at my workplace, and we are trying to put drywall back in the empty space. For context we are all either electronic or computer science people, with little to no construction background (don't ask why we're doing this it's a long story) What would we need to do or add to the space in order to go about putting drywall up? (We will likely have a contractor come eventually but I've been asked to take a look) submitted by /u/Blahaj6”
“Studs showing (bulging) from the seams of the beginning of my vaulted ceiling. How bad is this? How to fix? Is it urgent? No large cracks, but small very hairline cracks submitted by /u/ProfileImportant4838 [link] [comments]”
“Okay, so I'm a developing my basement and it is the first time of done drywall on a job of this size. I had a total brain fart today and hung my bedroom ceiling boards parallel with the ceiling trusses. Thankfully I did my larger living room and hallway perpendicular yesterday, but obviously the coffee hadn't kicked in yet this morning and I just went on autopilot. Am I screwed?! I really don't want to take it all down and have to order more drywall and delay the next steps. Here are”
“This issue happens to a lot of homes that I’ve been in. What is the best solution to prevent this? I’ve seen these corners developed whether it’s a tiled or paneled shower. Give me an idea of how to prevent it if the house is already built and something that can be done differently in the drywall construction phase. submitted by /u/blinkminx [link] [comments]”
“It looks like my ceiling in the garage is sagging. What’s the best way to repair this? submitted by /u/Full-Stock5305 [link] [comments]”
“I am moving into my family's farmhouse where my sister used to live, and she left up these LED lights that peeled up the paint and peeled off the paper from the drywall. I'd like to fix this right since I probably will live here for many many years. I have browsed around this Subreddit looking for similar posts and it seems everyone recommends one of these two for sealing drywall where it was ripped. Zinsser Gardz or Zinsser BIN Shellac Primer Before I bite the bullet and get some, what”
“So my house is having some serious settling cracks in the drywall and corner bead (it’s a post tension slab, the foundation is fine). I would love a professional’s insight on the best way to go about actually fixing these cracks. Thank you all ahead of time for any help and guidance here. submitted by /u/_Making_Scents_ [link] [comments]”
“I noticed this In our 2007 home we purchased two months ago not sure if I just missed it but I just noticed it…… we do have some cracks that were inspected on the other side of this door and looked like they were previous repaired badly but this staining is worrying me. No leaks in the attic we see or water damage we can find. Does feel bowed out a little and feels like there are spots you can push and there is airy movement submitted by /u/No-Sink-7461 [link] [comments]”
“Hello folks. Just bought a house and would like to fix the wall issues before I paint. I am not a professional, can someone tell me how to fix these issues? The first photo is where two walls meet (over 90° angle, part of a turret), second photo is under a windowsill. submitted by /u/Anttila-the-Hung [link] [comments]”
“In brand new less than year old basement utility room with HVAC, I am noticing these tiny spots on the wall. Behind this wall is the bathroom. What causes this? submitted by /u/Kindly-Ad4602 [link] [comments]”
“Looking at purchasing a home and on the walk through, found several walls with these gouge/chip marks in the drywall. What's the best way to patch these? submitted by /u/Yourlocalguy30 [link] [comments]”
“Make sure you hit the joist that the pex is on straight up when you drywall, i can see someone missing and hitting that with a screw thats too long”
“Hey guys looking for the best way to fix this to almost lie new. I tried to tear down vertical blind tracks and didn’t know it was nailed onto the wall. submitted by /u/NatBat28 [link] [comments]”
“Cut all the returns out and put blocking where you need. Save yourself some time and picture frame a jamb and casing hoop”
“Ok. If there's no electrical box behind there, all you gotta do is slip a short piece of wood in there as backer. Screw it from below into the existing ceiling drywall. Then screw that circle into the wood. Then tape and mud as usual.”
“A chandelier was hanging there, but has since been moved. There is nothing there now. It has been cut all the way through and it’s just a circle of drywall there.”
“What are we looking at? Is there an electrical box there or is that just a circle of drywall hanging off? Was it cut all the way through?”
“I think I understand what you mean. The pictures you sent are good, if that is your blocking. The blocking should line up the drywall to sit on the ridge board like the pic I sent. But from my perspective, I don’t know that you need shims. Do the blocking first and test fit by holding a straight edge, or small strip along where the sheet will go, the 2 sheets should meet just fine like this. The drywall can flex a bit. If there is 1/4” difference between some of the joists it’ll be fine, that’s”
“https://imgur.com/a/E2v862T I think this is what's going on. I would have to put blocking in the space between the rafters because its at the same height as the beam. Is that what you mean? If i bring down the drywall is it ok for it to not be supported by the rafter along the way, meaning the blocking brings it down at the peak let's say 1/2 in, in the middle ill add shim to support the drywall which would be 1/4in, the rest would be floating. https://imgur.com/a/TvDIxwX https://imgur.c”
“If it's one hole at the start and one hole 6' at the end, then the 2 holes. If it's 4 or more holes in 6' then a strip would be easier”
“I mean the square is an easier shape, but 6ft is too long. You’ll need a whole piece of drywall to make it look good.”
“Hole saw for sure, even better if you have the 6" drywall plug too. Add backing, screw the plug in, mud+tape, simple.”
“Get fireproofing foam, gently fill the hole, but don't go crazy it expands a lot. Trim flush with the wall. Coat with spackle or mud or filler or toothpaste. Let dry and sand. Paint.”
“STOP. Before you consider any kind of repair here, go ahead and cut open the drywall over to the stud on either side. Cut and nail/screw in a piece of 2x4 between the two studs at the height you want your toilet paper holder. Now you patch the drywall, tape, mud, and paint. You’ve now got a solid anchor to attach your toilet paper holder to. I’d say “you’ll thank me later” but you’ll end up never having to mess with it again and forget about it. Yo”
“Hello all, I’m currently working on a 70s gut reno and I’m finding that the framing is in awful shape. - Bowed and twisted studs are making it difficult for me to install blocking where one size will be screwed down and the other will be 3 inches away because of the torsion of wood. Also takes mounted electrical boxes out of plane and difficult to do arches and like with twisted jambs. - “sinking” top and bottom plates. Slab that the house is built”