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It is not hard to do small renovation projects around the house. In this guide, you will learn how to repair torn drywall by using a few common materials.
Often, when you are pulling off a tile or an old wallpaper, facing on the drywall also comes off along with it. We know the first urge you have is to cover it with paint. But is it the best solution?
It definitely is not. By hastily just painting over the surface, you will have an exhibit of an ugly paint job. Instead of that, you should opt for drywall paper repair as it is an ideal solution.
Instructions for Repairing Torn Drywall Paper
If drywall paper is torn from any one wall of the house, you can get to work right now. The process is very simple to follow, and even the novice will be able to do it easily.
What do you need?
You only need a few things to fix this problem. If you want to paint over that area, you should get the paint matching your wall color.
- Utility Knife
- Paint
- A putty knife
- Primer for drywall
- Drywall joint compound
- Sandpaper
Once you have all these things, you can start working on any wall.
Step 1: Remove the Leftovers
While moving furniture or due to any other reason, some of the drywall paper comes off. However, there is still loose paper left behind. Use your utility knife to cut this loose paper.
By the time you are done working on it, the edges should be very smooth. They should almost be touching the wall. If there are any missing bits, peel away the paper and cut a smooth edge using the knife.
Step 2: Start Sanding
This is an important step as it will lay the base for the next steps. Sand the area using sandpaper. You’ll find it easier to use an oscillating tool for the job. Do this step with patience as you need to make the edges neat.
If the area is sanded correctly, it will be able to retain primer well. Use sandpaper with a fine grit to get the best results with sanding.
Step 3: Prime the Area
The next step is to apply a primer to the area. Apply the primer well over the torn area. When you apply the primer, you are making a base.
In the next step, when you apply the joint compound, the paper will not suck it up. You can use a primer in a spray can too, but the primer should not be water-based.
Step 4: Apply Joint Compound
After priming, the wall is ready for applying joint compound. Do not apply the joint compound until the wall is completely dry.
Spread the compound over the damaged area of the wall using a putty knife. Apply evenly and try to cover some of the areas surrounding the torn area.
The process could take a long time if you are using a slow-setting joint. If you do not have so much time on your hands, use a joint compound that is fast-setting.
Step 5: Sand Again
Wait for the joint compound to get dry and then sand again, using grit sandpaper. You can also use wet sand for sanding. However, if you are using wet sand, it will take longer to dry.
Don’t worry, though. It will not produce dust on the wall as it pushing into the lower points of the fixed wall.
Step 6: Apply Joint Compound Again
If you want the end product to be perfect, apply another coat of the joint compound over the sanded area. This will help in smoothening the area much more so that the finish is perfect.
When you are applying a joint compound, do not overdo it. This would create a bulge. Also, when applying the compound, smoothen it out completely with the putty knife.
Step 7: Apply Primer Again
Apply the final coat of primer when you are satisfied with the way the wall looks. Primer helps in sealing all the mixtures in and allows the wall to retain the paint.
If you do not do this step, the wall might flash. Flashing refers to the sheen that a certain part of the wall might give off, which makes it different from the rest of the wall.
Step 8: Paint
The last step in this process is to paint over the wall. If you applied the right amount of joint compound and primer, the paint would glide smoothly over the wall.
When you apply the paint, you will see the torn area seamlessly blending in with the rest of the wall. Now, look at the amazing work you have done and admire your skills. The leftover paint can be used for refinishing your kitchen cabinets.
Do not worry if you make a mistake at any step of the way. Go over it again and fix it. There is no need to rush.
Tips and Tricks
When repairing a torn drywall, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind and follow.
Be Patient
The first thing to keep in consideration is that you need to give the liquids enough time to dry. Wait for the joint compound and primer to dry before you start applying more coats or using sandpaper on the wall.
Apply Uniformly
Apply the joint compound and primer uniformly. Do not apply too much as this would form a bulge but also do not apply too little as it will leave some spots in the middle.
Match the Paint
Match the paint with the rest of the wall correctly, or this portion will look odd.
Conclusion
By now, you would have learned how to repair torn drywall, without anyone’s assistance. The ideal thing to do is to avoid doing anything that could lead to tearing off drywall facing.
However, if you do end up in a situation like this, you now know the way to get out of it. Get your supplies and fix that ugly-looking torn facing, in the corner, you are trying to hide behind a photo frame.