Patching a Small Hole

Tools & Materials Needed:

Mesh or paper tape | Utility Knife | 6- and 10-inch knives | Joint Compound | 120-grit sandpaper

1.Clean the hole, and then apply the rough coat and tape. Clean the drywall around the hole, cutting away all the loose or broken gypsum and trimming back any torn face paper.Apply two or three pieces of mesh drywall tape across the hole in an X pattern, or spread a coat of joint compound and embed paper tape.
2.Apply a second coat. Apply joint compound on top of the tape, smooth it out, and then carefully blend the edges into the wall. Let this coat dry completely.
3.Apply two finish coats. Using a 6-inch taping knife as a scraper, knock down and burrs or high spots. Apply another coat of joint compound; smooth it out; and feather the edges down to the wall surface. After this coat has dried, knock down any burrs or high spots. Then apply a final coat of joint compound using an even wider knife(10-inch); allow it to dry; and sand it to a finished smoothness.