[klmeenan]

This is my first time doing more than just small holes in drywall. I am cutting a price to match the hole. I will screw it into the studs (this was a recessed spice rack). When I cut the drywall I'm going to leave 2" of paper on all the edges. Does this sound right?

 

[williamwiens]

what do you mean by 2" of paper?

I would cut some 2x3's and strap them to the inside of the existing frame to give yourself a nailing edge.
Then cut your drywall to fit in the opening.
Use a 20 min setting compound (they sell small boxes of it) and mix a small batch in a drywall pan or even a tupperware container.
Apply mesh tape (if you like the stuff) and then your first coat over the mesh.

Pull off the cover of that phone jack (if that is what that is), unscrew the mount from the wall and put a thin coat of mud over the entire area where the paper is exposed.

Hopefully that helps a bit.

 

[oh'mike]

He's talking about a 'California Patch' That a patch piece with the face paper left on about an inch and a half all the way around.

That type of patch is intended for smaller opening like covering old electric box sized holes.

I'd add some blocking to that opening and tape with paper--all purpose to hold the paper and then light weight for the topping.(I'm used to paper and haven't used mesh in years--personal preference)

--Mike---

 

[sixeightten]

You should probably enlarge the hole to include that area around the phone jack too. Screw in some blocks to give you something to screw the edges to. forget the extra paper flange.

 

[klmeenan]

Thanks guys. I will see about adding some support to it. So just cut off the extra paper and use tape. I will pick some up and get to it. Thanks again