When we get a new painting makeover all we want is the final finish to be flawless and for that you must prepare the surface and repair the damage before painting a wall. For drywalls, you might find cracks or holes and the reason could be anything like daily wear and tear or accidents from furniture movement. No matter the reason is, as a homeowner you must ensure the walls are well repaired before painting or any new makeover.

If you are not sure where to start and find useful suggestions, we have got your back. Let’s explore the essential tips you must know while fixing any drywall damages.

1. Gather the right tools and materials

    Without the right tools in hand, the job will always appear difficult. So, our first tip will be to collect all the necessities for the repairing task. Here’s a complete list-

    • Utility knife
    • Putty knife or drywall knife
    • Sandpaper
    • Joint compound
    • Spackling paste
    • Cloth
    • Hand saw
    • Screw gun,
    • Drywall scrap,
    • Drywall screws
    • Gloves, and
    • Damp rag

    2. Take care of the popped nail heads

      The framing can twist as a house settles. The nails securing the drywall to the wall studs may be forced outward by this twisting motion, resulting in nail pops, an obvious bulge. Despite your best efforts to hammer the nail head back in, it will eventually come out. That’s why, our second suggestion would to repair it.

      So, to reconnect the drywall to the stud, drive a drywall screw 1 1/2 inches above the burst nail head. To allow for the application of spackle, sink the screw head slightly below the drywall’s surface. Press the popped nail in. Sand, cover, and smooth.

      3. Repair Based on the size of the hole

        Our next tip for you would be to find out the size of the damage and work accordingly. Well, there might be four scenarios-

        a) Cracks

        Allow adequate space for spackling paste to be inserted into the crack. Next, scrape away any excess spackle and use your putty knife to even out the spackle over the cracks. Give the spackle time to dry, and then sand the area.

        b) Small Holes

        A putty knife and a little amount of spackle are essential when you need to repair minor dents in your drywall. The damaged wall’s surface should first be cleaned. Next, using the drywall knife, place some compound into the hole and damaged area. After smoothing out the mud and allowing it to dry, sand the area.

        c) Medium Sized Holes

        You will need a repair kit or enough drywall mesh tape for medium-sized holes or holes smaller than four inches. First, cover the hole’s opening with drywall mesh tape or a patch kit. Now fill the hole with spackle, often known as mud, allow it to set up, and then sand.

        d) Larger Holes

        Large-sized holes will require the use of a piece of drywall to be fixed. Next, in order to install the new drywall patch, you will need to use a jab saw to cut out a part. Apply mud to the freshly cut edges after that, then use a piece of drywall and wood to construct a support. The drywall scrap should then be taped with drywall tape before being screwed into the previously fitted wood support. Cover all of the joints in the patchwork with a thin layer of compound. After that, let it dry and sand it appropriately.

        4. Work on the corners

          Where two pieces of drywall come together to make a corner, corner beads are used. Thus, we suggest. Using a hack saw, try cutting the damaged corner bead horizontally, covering both above and below the mar. To join the top and bottom, hack saw cuts on the left and right sides and make vertical cuts along the drywall using a utility knife. To smooth off any rough edges, apply joint compound to both corners, covering the bead patch. After drying, sand smoothly.

          5. Finish the job

            As now you have almost repaired all the flaws of the drywall, our final tip will be to focus on a final touch. To guarantee a flawless silky finish and a smooth transition between the patch and the wall, lightly sand the repaired areas once more. Apply a layer of primer, then allow it to dry. After that you can start the painting process in the clean surface.

            Additional Do’s and Don’ts You Should Remember

            • Don’t cut into a wall to repair a hole until you are sure that no plumbing or electrical wires are passing through the area behind it.
            • Use less amount of joint compound because sanding a thin coat is simpler and less likely to expose the patch.
            • Don’t forget to wear a dust mask while working with drywall compounds, as the small particles could harm your lungs if inhaled.
            • Finally, don’t underestimate the perfection of expert hands; call and take the assistance of professional house painters to handle and repair any size of damage in your drywall before painting.

            Experienced painters in Sydney always focus on surface preparation for a flawless result so they can handle your drywall restoration project more skilfully. Finding a professional painting services for your house in Sydney? Contact us today for any assistance.