Drywall Repair Tutorial

The water damage shown in this photo was caused by a leaky roof. After completing repairs to the roof, I was able to begin repairs to the interior.

In this instance there are three elements to restore.
a.) the tape that joins the seam between sheets of drywall.
b.) the joint compound, aka: mud, that creates a level surface.
And...
c.) the texture, in this case a medium orange peel.

Step 1.

Remove any obstacles to your work. IE: outlet covers, switch plates and in this case vent covers. Basically, anything that might get in the way of the smooth surface you will be trying to create.

The Damage.

As you can see in this photo, the water caused the paint to peel and the paper tape that was sealing the joints in the drywall to separate and begin to fall away.

Step 2.

Using a utility knife or other sharp edged tool, cut away any peeling material as well as any that is separated but not yet peeling. Anything separated will tend to peel once you apply the joint compound.

Step 3.

Using a putty knife,(here, showing a 4 inch medium stiffnes puddy knife) scrape away any loose debris, high edges, and anything else that doesn't belong.

Step 4. 

Using a self adhesive mesh tape cover the exposed seam between the sheets of drywall. I got this mesh tape at Home Depot, but it is available in most home improvement stores.

In some cases the adhesive backing, that the mesh tape is sold with, doesn't do the job and you have peeling tape like the picture to the right.

Although you don't have to solve this and can use your layer of joint compound to essentially glue the mesh tape to the drywall, I have another solution that has several benefits.

Step 5.

In the case of your tape not sticking to the chaulky surface of the drywall, you may need to help things out a bit. I recommend using a spray adhesive to keep the tape in place.

One of the main benefits of this method is that you don't have the tape folding and shifting as you apply the joint compound.

Step 6.

Using the putty knife again, smooth out any wrinkles in the tape before it adheres to strongly to the spray adhesive. 

Step 7.

Apply a thin coat of joint compound to the area, let it dry then apply a second coat as smoothly as you can. When the second coat dries sand off any ridges or bumps with a medium grit sanding block. 

Step 8.

Here I used a spray can of orange peel texture. Testing the size and pattern of the spray on a piece of cardboard, adjust the knob on the can till the spray matches the walls you are repairing. Then, using circular motions, spray the patched area until coated evenly.

Step 9.

Once the texture is dry you are ready for paint. I got a paint match by bringing a sample of the peeling paint into Sherwin Williams.  For an area this small you can use either a brush or roller to apply the paint. 

There you have it, my first home improvement Tutorial. I hope you found this informative. If you have any home improvement questions you can contact me here. 

Happy home improving!