Easy Drywall Patch - Blowout Patch Method

Intro: Easy Drywall Patch - Blowout Patch Method

This is a simple method of repairing holes in drywall without needing an expensive and gimmicky drywall patch. Mesh/metal drywall patches often come out looking very lumpy, this method will typically come out much smoother looking.

You'll need:

20 minute mud (pre-mixed will work as well)

Putty Knives

Mud Pan

Utility Knife

A scrap piece of drywall to cut your patch from

STEP 1: Measure Your Hole

This hole was approx 3.5" x 11". If your hole is round, it might be easier for you to cut it into a square/rectangle shape.

STEP 2: Mark the Backside

Flip the new piece of drywall upside down and mark out a shape to match the size you just measured. This is a 3.5"x11" rectangle drawn on the back of the drywall.

STEP 3: Score, Snap and Peel

Now use your razor blade to score along the lines you drew.

Then snap the drywall along the score lines.

Finally, peel the drywall off of the front paper, being careful not to rip the paper.

STEP 4: Clean Up Your Paper Edges

Use your razor to square off the edges of your patch. This will make it easier to feather over with your putty knife.

You can also test fit the patch in the hole and make sure it fits. A snug fit is preferred.

STEP 5: Mud It Up

Mix your 20 minute mud and apply it around your hole. Then press the blowout patch into the mud. You can then apply a nice smooth coat over the entire patch.

You can also use pre-mixed drywall compound, but it will take longer to dry. The 20 minute mud is nice because you can wait 20-40 minutes and then lightly smooth it with a damp sponge to get rid of lines and imperfections. Pre-mixed will likely need to be dry sanded, which is much messier.

Anyway, I hope this technique comes in handy for you the next time you find yourself with a hole to patch!

Comments

[Kink Jarfold]

Nicely done. I've used blow out patches on numerous occasions. They're easy and work well.

[JumpingThrghHoops]

That's a cool technique. Looks pretty easy to me. When I was starting out doing my first drywall job I could have used this advice as I was pretty nervous. It will be something to pass along when I meet someone who is doing their first job or dislikes dry walling.

I was surprised like another member that you didn't use anything to hold it up. I can picture myself standing on a ladder holding up the patch until the mud is dry. Okay not really, maybe when if I was doing it for the first time. I suppose that sinking a few drywall screws might help.

Is this actually faster to repair compared with cutting the hole larger? Perhaps it is faster if the spot is difficult to reach? I'm curious, would you use this technique if it was along let's say a hallway or stairway wall?

Thanks for the great tutorial.

[PoppaFixIt]

Using a piece of wood and a few screws certainly isn't a bad idea. For this one, I just cut it tight so it was wedged in the hole, then used a fast-setting mud.

This ceiling was plaster, so cutting the hole larger to the studs isn't really possible. I like this method for patching holes from deleted pipes, electrical boxes and other small holes.

As far as using it in a hallway, I don't see why not. Drywall isn't the strongest material in the first place. If someone is doing something that would cause damage to a patch like this, it would likely damage a traditional patch as well.

[JumpingThrghHoops]

Thanks for your reply I have increased my knowledge about patching drywall and plaster. :)

[tytower]

Screw a batten across with drywall screws to hold it up while wet

You should mud up the edges of the patch a bit too so you get a good bond
otherwise it could end up totally supported by surface paper only

[mtbike2]

crap white tail. I was going to post “first” but you beat me. I have never done “the correct wat” but I can saw this wat is super easy and effective. Learned it from my father in law who is a contractor of 55 years. Phenom method