Perfect Drywall Patch How To (TIPS PROS DON'T EVEN KNOW!)
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Perfect Drywall Patch How To (TIPS PROS DON'T EVEN KNOW!) Is a video I felt compelled to make to help teach others the necessary techniques to achieve professional results for patching drywall. I developed these techniques years ago out of frustration trying to patch a hole in the wall. I have performed many patches since and have achieved beautiful results using the same tips shared in this video. The contents of this video will explain tips and tricks most people have never seen, and will help you perform professional drywall patches on your own.
ok, I tried this technique on a patch, and it is amazing, the flattest patch you can do, I also tried it on a crack, using paint stripper tool to strip paint right on top of the crack, fiber tape, mud and you can't even tell there was a crack fixed at all. You sir, deserve a standing ovation, THANK YOU VERY MUCH for sharing this!!!
You are very welcome. Glad it worked well for you.
Best method on YT. Wish I had found this 24 hours ago as my wall looks like a relief map of the Himalayas.
Good one Silvio
LOL
Bro!!! Just have to say thank you for this video. I’m a painter and there is always a need for small repairs. One thing that’s always been hard is putting in a new piece of drywall, mesh taping and then finishing so there isn’t a hump. Yes I can get it to work but the finish work ends go being a large area. With this method It’s much easier. I did 5 repairs today
Great instructions - I almost went to damage a wall just to try my hand at the repair! i feel more confident with running in-wall home theater wiring now that I know these tricks.
Grab a hammer and have at it!
Out of all the videos I watched, this was the most informative. I liked how you used the magnet to find the screw to help you locate the stud. I’ve watched plenty of videos with old heads that I thought were okay, but I was surprised to see a young guy so knowledgeable thank you for your help.
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the video.
paul sallee I wish you had more videos lol. Do you have any tips or techniques for replicating other types of texture ? I have a wall that has a much thicker and bubbled look and can’t find anything similar to it. I live in Arizona if that helps. Thank you once again
@@jaycetrout703
Unfortunately it is very difficult to match custome texture because of all the variables. Mud type, mixture, application. Those techniques have almost died off with the artist's who used to perform the work.
I love setting my tape repairs into the wall. When you're peeling the paper, chase it with your putty knife so it comes up easily and doesn't take so long. Tape, then one coat of 90 min mud and done. I spend about as much time sanding as was spent with a damp rag in this video. For me, in actual work time, patches like this involve less than 15 min total time invested start to finish.
*whistles from the back* - *slow claps* Freakin' genius, dude. Seriously. Make more videos whenever you want. I 100% will watch, no matter what you're repairing. This was awesome. Thank you!
Gertie Craign
Glad you enjoyed
BRILLIANT! Yours was the 5th video I watched today on different repair techniques but, I learned SO MUCH from your video! I am SO doing this method...THANKS!
Tina V.
I am happy this video will assist you in your repairs. Thanks for the comment and good luck on your project!
All these drywall patching videos should have a shot of the painted patch.
FZ1 Owner
I would love to attach a picture of the painted patch, but unfortunately I am not able to. I can assure you it turned out very nice. I did this in my own house for the purpose of this demonstration. I made sure nobody could find my patch. 😊
That spray texture may look,lighter than the rest of the wall after it is painted (?)
@@FerrisBueller-sj5sc he mentioned 3 coats of paint to properly blend with existing.
I do carpentry, but find myself doing minor drywall work sometimes. I suck at taping, and especially patches where there’s four seams all in a little spot. No matter how far I try to fare it out I can always see a hump. Just took a little side job to do 10 of these small patches on smooth coat walls. Instead of dreading it now I am actually looking forward to trying this.
How did it turn out?
Love the idea of using a small magnet to locate the screws so you can remove the drywall in one piece. I like creating a patch with the paper extended but instead of gluing that on top of the paper and floating that high point out, I remove the paper on the wall as you did and glue it down with 5 minute mud and hot water (very fast set). There are no high points, it doesn't crack and easy to blend in. On an open wall, I will also screw in backer board so it is all solid.
Gerald Demers
Haven't tried the 5min set. Always worried it would harden in my pan. Hot water does speed it up I have noticed. Glad you found a useful tip!
For a small patch where you don't need any time to get it done, 5 minute mud with really hot water will dry in an incredibly short time. I would not use it for the texturing, but for the initial patch and topcoats, absolutely.
Great job! That's how I do it also and I have been patching interior and exterior walls for 43 years.
I'm totally impressed with this technique. Truly leaves the patch flat. Thank you for sharing that with us.
You got it bud!
Thank you so much for your time making this video. I would have floated my patch but this hole was on the wall you first saw when coming in the front door - old security system was removed with a piece of metal screwed over it. Turned out great with this method.
Happy to hear it bud.
You do fantastic work!!! I have seen it in person. You can't tell there was even a hole in a wall when the finished product is done!!! Great job PAUL!!!
Tina Hobbs
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you liked the tutorial.
Nice job, Mr Sallee! The quality of repair is my 1st priority, not ease or time. Your method is perfect. Going to give it a shot!
Doug Strebeck
Glad you enjoyed the video. If you try this method, let me know how it works out for you.
I came here looking to fill some anchor holes but I feel like I got way more than I expected. This is amazing!
A great alternative for us "semi-pro" fixers, and a patch level with the rest of the wall. Thanks!
Good video. Nice job. Just finished a couple of big holes in a rental unit. Did the same thing but no stipple. The recessing works like a hot dandy. I won't let my tenant fix their own holes because I just have to do them over again. thanks once again.
You are very welcome. Glad you found this informative.
Going to try insetting the tape joint on my repair this afternoon. Haven't seen that before. Looks nice!
Holy crap. That is the cleanest patch I have ever done. Thanks for the tip my man! 👍
@@daledo8604
Glad it worked for ya homie.
Never knew about the textured spray paint. Excellent quality. Liked the recessed patch. Thanks.
Best technique I've seen. Just watched a couple videos, and I really learned quite a bit from yours. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!
Happy you found it useful. Thanks for the kind words.
Thanks for this..it's bothered me during my research time that noone addresses how to make the patch blend perfectly. They apply the patch over existing texture and paint and I've always wondered why because it leave a little hump. This solves that problem, thanks again. Doing this to a patch today
Watching for just incase but this is awesome if I ever need to patch some drywall. Thanks!
😂 That was a reality check . He didn’t repair the other imperfections that he pointed out next to the patch . That made me laugh. 😅😅
Nice job.
65 and you taught me a trick
Thanks
Never seen texture in a can.
Very helpful. I just completed my repair and your advice was perfect.
Richard Miller
Glad it worked well for you.
I had to patch a sand texture plaster wall once. After the tape and first coat I had to add texture to my final coat. I didn't have any sand so I procured some fine shingle gravel from the downspout splashblock outside. Mixed with my mud and "presto", sand finish!
geardriven
Nice idea! Creative way to complete the task.
I did a similar patch on my ceiling. Because the drywall was 12 years old, it took a half hour to remove the paint and top layer of paper. I had to score the paint with many parallel scores, because the paint would cut through the paper as I tried to peel it off.
I didn't think this would make much difference, but I just tried it and was amazed how the mesh tape just disappeared and there's virtually no visual "hump" of a floated joint after sanding it down flat very carefully. The only thing I'd point out is that it's easy to remove the painted layer on the old wall, but don't strip the paper off of the new fresh patch with an unpainted paper surface. The results surprised the heck out of me. Especially useful technique around light fixtures, where patch mistakes are easy to see.
I'm glad you had good results with the technique. Thanks for commenting.
Truly a superior patching method .
JAYJAYJAY53
Glad you enjoyed the tutorial.
I definitely agree that it gets the best result. And is a good way for beginners to get a good result.
Just more tedious, but also requires less coats for sure
i like when the end result is nice, regardless of time spent, since 99% of the time you get a half assed job and any kind of a job done with pride stand out.
Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the tutorial.
An oscillating cutter has a short reach so wires and pipes in the wall are not damaged. It’s clean cut properties are also an advantage. You can easily hold a vacuum hose under it as well.
I choose a sawsall because that what I have and works in all situations. I've had to remove very large sections of drywall that needed to be patched. Some kitchens has 2 layers of 5/8 rock. Oscillating tool would take much longer.
I was looking for how to put the drywall tape on and how to apply the mud on. This was skipped. But I still learned something and will pay attention to it. Thanks.
Sheldon from TBBT knows about drywall repair too? This guy is a genius :)
celticslimjim
Im glad you found this video informational. Not the first I've been compared to sheldon.
Looks great! Excellent tips and tutorial
Thank you for sharing dear!😀
Pretty cool:). Next time I need to do a repair, the only other thing I'll do is brush some Zinsser Gardz sealer on the paper that is exposed once things are peeled back to seal and lock down the paper. This really is a great way to do those few more steps to achieve a seamless repair:). Thanks for sharing.
I learned something. Don’t waste time like this guy, because time is money in the trades
Well done! I really like your method. A good job takes a little time, but the results are worth the wait.
28cruzin
Glad you found this informative.
Best drywall patch video! hope, i'm able to get similar results on patching my wall
Glad you enjoyed the video. Happy patching!
Work of art! 👍🏼
This is great ,i use this method all the time..self taught..glad to see it here...good job man
I have been doing this for years but never seen it done, and decided it needed to be on youtube for everyone to try.
Well described thx for taking the time to make this video!
Jamal Khaffaf
Glad you found this informative.
Awesome job that looks great! I want to send this video to the maintenance crew in my apt. complex because they don't have a clue. Lol!
John Mal don't do that, this guy is also clueless
Well done! Excellent organization, presentation and video quality.
blt80513
Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Appreciate the video my man!
thanks for sharing your knowledge Paul salle,I learnt something new today,very professional work
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed!
How did you figure out the outside line you wanted too cut for the tape? did you just devide measurment of tape in half?
I've been patching for over a century(138 years exactly) and this is just crazy. You young kids think your so smart with your fancy techniques.
Great video - nice clear instruction. I'm confident I could make the same kind of repair, now.
John Adams
Thank you for watching. I'm glad you found this video helpful. Happy patching!
Should try an oscillating multi tool. best thing ever to cut drywall or anything without destroying the stuff next to the cut. Fein makes some excellent ones.
Jet Vector
For small patches I would agree. If you need to cut large areas I would use a sawsall. Thanks for the input
On another note, sheetrock manufacturers strongly recommend you don't remove the paper, as it is what provides strength to the actual drywall. An added step, which may or may not really be useful would be to use a stabilizer on the exposed sheetrock prior to tape/mud. Something like Zinsser Gard or kilz. I can't see it being much of an issue on a hole this small, but with more surface area compromised with a larger hole it is likely something to consider.
Yes, primer is a good idea.
The removal of some (not all) of the paper isn't going to jeopardize the integrity of the patch when done properly.
I've run lots of wires into existing walls, using a multi saw to make access holes, but I cut out the opening at an angle, so that what I remove, can be placed back in the same opening. The only thing that I do before closing, is to cut down the paper face so there is a tiny bevel on the face. Then I place the plug back in, using drywall compound as a 'mortar' around the perimeter. If done right, it will end up absolutely flush to the wall, and after finish sanding, you cannot see it at all.
For small patches I'm sure you could get away with doing that without using tape. When doing this for large areas that would not be recommended.
Best video on the subject yet
If you dont love Milwaukee tools, then your a master of disguise
Maybe he lives in Milwaukee 🕵️♂️
Chinese junk these days, I use festool
Excellent video, Paul. Can you tell me what brand of powdered mud you use that dries quickly? Thank you.
Many different brands are available at your home improvement stores. I don't have a preference. You can get 5, 20, 45, or 90 minute mud. Each gives you different working speeds.
@@paulsallee4889 This is the first time I'm gonna try this. I just saw a package at a local store but it gave the amount of water that I would need to add if I was going to use the entire bag (18 pounds) at one time. How do you recommend getting to the right consistency? Thanks
Because this quick set can be tricky it might be best to get a 45min work time product.
Slowly add water in corners of the mud pan and mix. If its a clumpy consistency, add a little more water. It doesn't take much you'll find. If you do add to much try to dump some of the water out if you haven't mix it all in yet. Just don't put it down a drain. Warm water will typically speed the setting of the mud. Fans help it dry faster or dehumidifiers and heat guns.
I learned something today. Thanks!
You’re a magician
Outstanding video. Great technique, well presented and WITHOUT annoying background music (who needs it?) I would have liked to see how you applied the tape though...thanks!
Camera cut out at 10min mark unfortunately. Mesh tape has adhesive. Just stick it and mud. Take care.
Great job and video. I think I have some drywall repair in my near future. Thanks. Love Peg
You can do it!
Paint won't hide blemishes. So make sure your happy with the patch before you paint. Take care.
Nice job! best I've seen yet!
Doug Kuechenmeister
I'm glad you found this informative. Take care.
Great job Paul! Who says you can't teach old dogs (like me) new tricks! Boulder Handyman
Clear, concise instruction. Good job!
Excellent vid bro
Thanks man.
Nice technique. You should make sure to use a primer over the water based mud and spray texture before painting.
Absolutely. I even prime the mud first so texture dries evenly.
You are really making a project out of it. There are quicker ways that are just as effective.
paintingcontractornj
Of course there are faster ways. I would not say that they are better. Your method does not have enough support behind the mesh tape. You could have easily put a piece of sheetrock there. No need to cut corners. You would not be able to do that on anything larger than the size you demonstrated. My technique works on patches of all sizes. That is not a method that I would recommend anybody perform. The results from the technique in my video are the way that I am able to achieve the best patch possible. Not the fastest. Why would you even feel the need to post your video in my comment section? You have skill. Rely on your own Merit.
paintingcontractornj
Why did you disable comments on your video? I was really looking forward to read what others had to say.
Great instructional video. No nonsense, to-the-point, great lighting and sound, and most importantly great results. Subscribed!
You skipped thew most important part of the vid. Taping and mud.
Yes, unfortunately my camera is only able to record in 10min segments. Learned that the hard way. However, the mudding is not the focus of this video. Thanks for watching.
I agree wtf.
Side light !!!! A plasterers worst nightmare ! I have done plenty of acrylic outside work that looks mint around noon , by 5-6 pm I be like TF ?
ben jarmin the sun will show everything nothin can be hid by it
Fantastic technique.
Check out Imperial Blades for drywall that allow you to cut backward and has a plunge cut angle that cuts more efficiently. These are bizzar shaped but way cool. Way safer than a SawzYall with cables behind the wall. (Yes, I was being a wise guy with SawzYall V’s Saws All). These blades converted me.
Those look pretty cool. I will have to get an oscillating multi tool and pick some of those blades up and give them a shot.
paul sallee You appear to be a Milwaukee tool guy as I am. And yes, Milwaukee has the oscillating tool (all universal heads) for $79 plus you need the smaller M12 battery (same battery on 90 degree drill you use between studs and drilling up around foundation walls for cable runs).
@@jrchicago9216
I have the m12 tools and m18 tools. I'm looking at getting the 18v version.
Great stuff
God damn! That's a fantastic technique. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Clever video, but, I did know all those tricks, but then I've repaired around 5,000 or more holes so I guess I'm an old pro. Looks like it works, but I hope that outside crack you cut in doesn't re crack later down the road. But it will make it easier to float out, a little anyway. But as you showed, you do still have to float it out a little past the cut lines. Good luck
Thanks for watching and commenting. I have done hundreds of patches this way and never had one crack.
Love your videos by the way.
@@paulsallee4889 Cool, glad it works. I've always wondered if those might crack. Thanks for watching my videos. I've been forced to do UA-cam fulltime due to 10 months of vertigo, so I'm trying hard to make it pay all the bills, and getting close now with 17,000 subs. Stay in touch on my videos. Always good to hear from another in the trades.
Seems like you can still see the outline of the patch. That's what I'm having trouble with, seems like I'm not feathering edges good enough or something, not going out far enough. You can still see the outline of the patch even after prime and painting
oscillating multi saw. much safer for demoing drywall than a sawzall.
TheAbear360
That works for small holes very well. I would use a sawsall for large holes or through double rock anyday.
paul sallee There are specialty oscillating/ rotary tools for that. He means SAFER because your not superhuman with xray vision, sawzall will literally saw it all behind that wall. Think data cables, power cables, water lines. Work smart, not hard.
pquin77 agreed. This guy is really something
Jim Weimer Well he is aware of the dangers and he states them in the video. I don't doubt that he is able to perform this skillfully as he has experience. The only issue I have is that he is doing a tutorial for beginners that can lead to a lot of people getting seriuosly injured. I still give him props for trying to help the community with his ways of patching drywall. Thanks for the video.
Actually I agree, the oscillating saw is great for this. Its a little slower but not much. The main thing is using the right blade and experiment a little. Once you figure it out they can go quite fast.
Very nice work! Thank you
Great video, than you!
Fucking brilliant.
hotwater heaterhater
Glad you enjoyed!
Try the Oscillator tool instead of the saw. It's an excellen tool for cutting molding, metal, pvc, and drywall.
Others have suggested that too and I agree for small holes it is the proper tool. However for large holes or cutting through two layers of sheetrock a Sawzall is much more efficient.
California patch with hot mud I will be done before you finish your cuts. Yes it will be floated out like 10 inches. Just sponge it down after it's set.
That's fine. I'll get the call from your client to come fix your work.
Lol, sure. Unless your working on level 5 your going to far with it. And level 5 you should just skim the whole wall.
I myself like to use a holesaw for small size patches! Can use 3 sizes & is very quick!!
Use the 4" holesaw to make a hole in a piece of plywood then screw plywood over hole in wall, center it over the damage and use the holesaw (without pilot drill)to cut out damaged piece. Same way to make new patch. Perfect fit! Back with 1x3's and burnish edges of wall and patch. Screw it up and patch with 5 min patch, making sure to push deep into gap. No need for tape. I've been doing this for 40 years and never had a callback.
J Meyers I would like to see a video of you doing this. It sounds like it would be good
John Meyers yes same idea I had but without screwing plywood guide to drywall.
good video, i feel better about making a proper ceiling drywall repair now. thanks
Great job Paul, what size of knife you should have for drywall in general?
Thanks,
6" is my go to knife.
Great job! Good for you and thank you for sharing 🌛
Very impressed. Feel I have been doing it well for years but apparantly. Lol
I am a mom with a son. Holes always happen with boys not being careful. Moving soon and will definitely use this fast technique. Thanks!!!
ArgChica fast technique?
Can this be done on mom textured walls?
Perfect. Just what I needed!
Donn Grimes
glad you enjoyed the video.
I've tried all those cutting methods. Use an oscillating multi-tool. Faster, and more precise. Also, I've never seen texture on walls. It's not commonly done where I live, so we can't hide patches under texture.
Jim Bendtsen
For cutting a small patch through 1 layer of sheetrock an oscillating multi tool would be the better choice, if you have one. However, if you are cutting large sections or through 2 layers it's much faster with a sawzall
Jim Bendtsen , believe me, you can't hide a patch under texture. It's every bit as obvious. I think a lot of people have the mentality that texture hides a lot, but it really doesn't. At least not spray textures that is. Hand texture hides everything lol
Perfect indeed. Thank you. Very helpful instructions.
I finished my patch the traditional way about 1/4 the way through your video...
Great video
Great video!
Use a multi-tool with half round blade and easily cut through 1/2- 5/8 DW with very little dust or kerf . Also VERY easy to control, no kickback.
John Meyers
For small patches that works great. For large sections, especially through double sheetrock the sawsall is the tool for me. Thanks
Great! Exactly what I was looking for
awesome video! can you use sponge instead of rag?
That works well too.
paul sallee / thanks for reply! another question, is mesh tape necessary? I was thinking of california patch and paper around the hole peeled to fit, but was not sure if seams will show without tape.. Then I found your awesome method, but still curious about difference
@@hahmmo
You can do a California patch and get good results depending on the thickness of the paper.
I use ultra thin mesh tape because it is thin enough you don't run into it sanding wet or dry.
Valuable knowledge.. thank u
Ken Manes
Thanks for looking and commenting on the video.
man so much work so much time my double system to repair holes smooth and flush or to make the strongest anchoring so strong you can makes steps to go all the up the wall
I've heard that you don't want to mud over the brown paper of drywall because it could bubble they even make sealers for the brown paper.
If the paper is loose, it will definitely bubble up. Otherwise there is no issue. Done it a thousand times successfully.
@@paulsallee4889 thank you! I've been trying several different methods summer easier than others but some definitely have better results. Thank you I'm going to try yours next I definitely like the finished product
@@jason8507
Awesome. Primer isnt a bad idea. Just another step and cost. I use berh primer and paint in one with excellent results. Premium plus ultra is amazing paint.
@@paulsallee4889 I used gardz when removing a backsplash ruined the drywall, worked great!