[vandrem]

Hi. I have a hole in my wall as a result of poor use of wall anchors to hang a curtain rod. I imagine this is a pretty standard repair but I want some advice before I fix. I'm a brand new home-owner so learning as I go. My questions are:

- do I need to use a patch/tape for something this size?
- do I need to prime over the torn wallboard before putting joint compound?
-on the other side the holes are the same size but the holes are clean through like the top hole here. Same procedure?
- could you please spell out the steps for me?

Really appreciate.

 

[oh'mike]

If you fill those with 'easy sand' you will be fine--that's the powdered mix in the white bag.
The numbers on the bags are the setting times 20-45-90 minute.

It's sticky and harder than the drywall.--Easy sand is not easy to sand--

You will want to use a 3 or 4 inch blade to hide the holes.--Mike---

 

[bjbatlanta]

I'd put a piece of mesh tape on first and go with the advice oh'mike gave. Holes aren't that big, but a piece of tape would be a good idea...

 

[Stanchek]

Home depot has the 5 min powder mud in the small box, so you don't end up with a huge bag you'll never use. Also, I disagree about the mesh tape. The holes are so small they will never give you a problem. Putting mesh on will then require you to do a bigger float, possibly leaving a bump in the wall. Further more, and this is just my opinion from doing countless crack repairs for so many years. That mesh tape is pure garbage. I'll use paper tape every time over the mesh, and I guarantee it holds longer.

 

[bjbatlanta]

I only use mesh for smaller repairs and it works fine, as long as you use setting compound for the first coat. Use the fine mesh (there are a couple of different kinds). There won't be a bump if you just put a couple of thin layers of compound on. I've been in this business for over 35 years and I'd put tape on the holes, whether it's mesh or paper. The mesh is easier....

 

[Stanchek]

Congrats on the 35 yrs. Wasn't trying piss you off. But in my 15yrs of business I've tried the mesh in many applications just to be disappointed once again. Also, the speed set mud would easily fill those small holes and never have one bit of problem. No sense in telling a brand new home owner with no experience to use the mesh and float several coats, then try to sand it smooth just to reveal little edges of mesh. For what? Those small holes will never crack.

 

[carpitect]

The holes look to be borderline on the need for mesh tape or screen. If you go without mesh, it may take two or three coats to get it flush as the drywall compound shrinks as it dries, leaving a slight depression in the center. The mesh will help minimize that shrinkage at the center and may cut down on the number of coats. You might try the self-adhering mesh screens - they seem to be a bit thinner than the mesh tape and easier to cover without causing a hump in the wall.

Here's a good step-by-step article with video - http://buildipedia.com/at-home/walls-windows-doors/item/1388-how-to-repair-drywall

 

[Stanchek]

The holes look to be borderline on the need for mesh tape or screen. If you go without mesh, it may take two or three coats to get it flush as the drywall compound shrinks as it dries, leaving a slight depression in the center. The mesh will help minimize that shrinkage at the center and may cut down on the number of coats. You might try the self-adhering mesh screens - they seem to be a bit thinner than the mesh tape and easier to cover without causing a hump in the wall.

Here's a good step-by-step article with video - http://buildipedia.com/at-home/walls-windows-doors/item/1388-how-to-repair-drywall

Speed set mud doesn't shrink, and by mounding the mud just slightly, you can then simply sand it smooth to the wall. Again, I think you guys are making this far more difficult then it needs to be for someone with no experience.

 

[bjbatlanta]

Stanchek, you didn't "piss me off". I was merely trying to make the point of the way the repair SHOULD be done and I've been around long enough to know. I know people often fill holes the size shown without tape, but there IS a possibility of the repair failing without tape. Possibly it will be fine. I just like to see the job done correctly. I didn't much care for mesh tape when it first came out either and I wouldn't use it on anything but small repairs. "Mounding the mud slightly" can cause the repair to fail if too much pressure is applied when sanding. You'll just push the mud back into the hole. No matter what type of compound is used, it needs a backing to adhere to (tape).

 

[vandrem]

I already have some all-purpose joint compound. Will that work if I am willing to wait over-night between coats? And also, getting back to origional question - will I have any problems with the moisture of the compound on the part where the paper has been removed? Thanks for all the advice

 

[oh'mike]

You might get a little lifting where the paper is pealed--a brush full of primer before mudding that could not hurt.

All purpose should work--if if cracks,start over.