By Ted Speers
Drywall is a tough, fire-resistant material that lasts for years, but it can and does get damaged. Because it is the finish of your walls and ceiling and reflects the beauty of your home and how you decorate, it is critical to repair damage as soon as you see it to keep your walls looking pristine.
Drywall repair can be tricky, even for those with some DIY experience. It involves techniques that professionals spend years perfecting and is considered an art by many. However, it can be a difficult and often dangerous task, depending on where you are working within the home.
If you’re considering tackling the job yourself, here are some tips to help guide you through the process, along with reasons why you might want to leave it to the pros.
Mastering the Art of Texture Matching
One of the telltale signs of drywall damage is an uneven or mismatched texture. While textured walls and ceilings can hide minor flaws, significant repairs can be a different story. If the texture isn’t matched correctly, the repair might stand out more than the original damage.
When matching textures, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your patch blends seamlessly.
First, make sure you know the thickness of your drywall before you start. This helps ensure the new piece fits smoothly with the surrounding area. While ½-inch drywall is the most common, it does come in other sizes.
A good tip is to use as little of the original texture as possible when applying the mud. This gives you more control over the new texture and a better chance of matching it perfectly. After you’ve patched the area, be sure to smooth out any lines between the patch and the existing texture to make the repair invisible.
The texture on drywall comes from both the mud and how you apply it. Sometimes, people mix additives like sand or texture compounds into the mud to create a unique finish. But most of the time, the texture is all about the technique.
Common Textures
Smooth Finish: Just what it sounds like—mud is applied and then sanded down until there’s no texture at all.
Orange Peel: This one looks like an orange’s skin and is sprayed on with a special spray gun.
Knockdown: You start by spraying on the mud, then lightly flattening it with a wide knife to “knock down” the peaks.
Popcorn: This bumpy texture is usually sprayed on using a special mix that creates that popcorn ceiling look.
Skip Trowel: For this one, you use a trowel to spread the mud in thin layers, leaving parts of the surface exposed for a hand-finished look.
Orange peel texture (left) looks like the skin of an orange and subtly hides wall and ceiling imperfections. Knockdown texture (right) is achieved by knocking down the peaks of a sprayed finish to achieve a more stucco-like appearance.
It’s crucial to use the same tools and methods that were originally used to create the texture. Tools like trowels, knives, sponges, or spray guns are used to achieve different patterns. The way you move the tool and the consistency of the mud play a big part in what the final texture looks like.vIf you’re new to drywall work, try experimenting with different tools and techniques to see how each one affects the texture.
To figure out what tools and techniques were used on a wall, you can usually tell by looking closely at the texture:
Orange Peel: If the surface has a fine, bumpy texture, kind of like the skin of an orange, it was probably sprayed on with a spray gun and a thinned-out drywall mud mix.
Knockdown: If the texture is somewhat flat with rough patches that look spread out, it was likely first sprayed and then "knocked down" with a wide drywall knife or trowel.
Popcorn: The classic bumpy, raised texture on ceilings? That’s usually done with a popcorn sprayer and a mixture that often includes Styrofoam or other texture additives.
Skip Trowel: If the texture looks more random and hand-applied, with rough sections that aren’t fully smoothed out, it was likely done with a trowel, using a "skipping" motion.
Hopper-type spray guns are often used to apply the original coating of drywall texture. Shown is the Marshalltown Texture-Pro 200 Hopper Gun.
Knockdown finish is achieved by "knocking down" the highest peaks of a sprayed finish with the flexible blade of a trowel or drywall knife. Shown is the Marshalltown Adjustable Squeegee Trowel.
Finally, make sure your drywall mud has the same consistency as what was used originally. This might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in the final look.
To figure out the original consistency, it's mostly about paying attention to the texture and how it feels:
Look at the Texture: If the texture looks thicker and more pronounced (like with knockdown or skip trowel), the original mud was probably on the thicker side. If it’s more subtle, like orange peel, the mud was likely thinned down.
Feel the Wall: Run your hand over the texture. If it feels bumpy and rough, the mud was likely thick when applied. A smoother texture usually means it was thinned out.
To match the consistency:
Start with Pre-Mixed Mud: Pre-mixed drywall mud is a great starting point, especially if you're new to this. You can adjust it by adding water or letting it sit to thicken up.
Add Water for Thinner Consistency: If you need a thinner mix for textures like orange peel or knockdown, slowly add water and stir until it reaches the right consistency. For thicker textures like trowel finishes, use less water and let the mud sit for a bit.
Test It Out: Always test your mix on a scrap piece of drywall before committing. Compare it to the original texture and adjust as needed until you get a good match.
If it’s still not coming out right, consult a professional. They have the experience to get the texture and consistency spot-on without the trial and error. Given how challenging matching texture is, it might be worth calling in a professional to avoid any headaches and ensure a perfect finish.
Using the Right Tools for the Job
Now that you know what goes into matching texture, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need for the repair patch. Some of these are specialized for drywall work, so if this is your first time, you might not have them on hand.
For precise and clean cuts, you’ll need a utility knife, a keyhole saw, a drywall saw and a putty knife. A keyhole saw is particularly useful for cutting around electrical outlets and other obstacles. A drywall saw (also known as a jab saw) helps you avoid unnecessary damage to the surrounding area, and a putty knife is essential for applying joint compound smoothly.
You’ll also need a drywall screw gun, a drywall T-square, a sanding block or sponge, taping knives, and protective gear like safety goggles and a dust mask. It might seem like a lot of equipment for a small repair, but each tool plays a critical role. Having the right tools not only helps you achieve a flawless finish but also prevents costly mistakes that can happen when using the wrong equipment.
Why Calling a Professional Might Be Your Best Bet
While DIY drywall repair is an option, you can ensure your patch is flawless and blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall by hiring a professional. Drywall technicians have years of experience dealing with all kinds of damage, so they know exactly how to approach your specific issue for the best results.
Professionals are also experts in texture matching, meaning you won’t be left with an eyesore reminding you of past damage. These experts come equipped with all the necessary tools, saving you the trouble and expense of buying equipment you might only use once.
Another big advantage of hiring professionals is that they handle all the cleanup. Drywall repair can be messy, but technicians protect your space with plastic or a tarp before they start, and clean up everything once the job is done, leaving you with a perfectly repaired wall or ceiling and no mess to worry about.
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About the author: As the brand president of The Patch Boys, a leading drywall and ceiling repair company, and a proud member of the BELFOR Franchise Group family of residential and commercial services brands, Ted Speers has been recognized for his ability to build strong brands and for his demonstrated track record of business development and sales management skills. He has more than 20 years of experience leading innovative and profit-oriented businesses.
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