Patch a ceiling hole

If that didn't happen and you can still see the metal showing through the mud, you will need to apply another coat to cover it. Apply a bit of fresh mud over the visible metal and stroke parallel over the edge to blend it with the rest of the repair surface.

Let the final coat of mud dry completely before attempting to sand it and touch up the paint. Use a light touch to sand the whole area giving extra attention to the edges to blend them with the existing ceiling paint. To finish, brush away the sanding dust and lightly wipe off the residue with a damp rag before touching up the paint.

If your finish paint is flat latex, it will be self-priming. If you're using semi-gloss, oil-based, or another shiny paint finish, prime the patch with a latex primer or other flat latex paint first. Apply a First Coat of Mud Using setting compound, also called mud, for this job will make for the best possible result, but ready-mixed compound will work too and it won't require mixing. Apply A Second Coat of Mud When the first coat has set and dried, use the joint knife in a forward stroke to shave off any ridges or bumps in the surface of the mud.

Apply a Final Coat Apply a third and final coat of mud to cover the whole patch, again, overlapping the previous mud coat and spreading out onto the surrounding ceiling. Touch Up the Paint Let the final coat of mud dry completely before attempting to sand it and touch up the paint. Move wires away from the hole, or call a professional, but don't cut into the ceiling if wires could be disturbed in the process. Proceed to Step 2 if the area is clear of wiring.

Locate two joist beams nearest the hole, one on each side. Use a cordless drill with a long bit to make two small holes through the ceiling, marking the location of the two beams. Go back down and use a drywall knife to cut and remove the damaged piece of drywall from the ceiling. Cut a square beginning at one mark and extending to the opposite mark.

Remove the piece of drywall from the ceiling, exposing the beams. Measure the piece of drywall that you removed from the ceiling. Cut a replacement piece, slightly smaller than the hole, from a new sheet of drywall. Place the replacement piece of drywall into the hole.

Position the screws about 1 inch from the edge of the drywall to avoid crumbling. Secure the drywall to the joist beams, using the drill. Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings.

Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Put on safety goggles and a dust mask. Make sure you have a sturdy step ladder to work with as well so you can reach the ceiling.

Use a utility knife to cut away any loose debris around the edges of the hole. Carefully slice away any loose pieces of drywall and paper around the edges of the hole to neaten it up and get rid of any jagged edges. Try to clean the hole up enough that a drywall repair patch will be able to sit flush against the ceiling. Cut a drywall patch so it is 1 in 2. Cut a square drywall repair patch with sharp scissors so it is 1 in 2. This will give it 0.

They come in squares in different sizes up to about 8 in 20 cm in diameter. You can buy a drywall repair patch at a home improvement center, hardware store, or online. Remove the backing from the patch and place the patch over the hole.

Peel the protective backing off of the adhesive side of the drywall patch. Center the patch over the hole, then press it firmly against the ceiling around all the sides to make it adhere.

You now need to spackle and sand the patch to finish fixing the hole. Method 2. Protect your eyes and mouth with safety goggles and a dust mask. This will keep drywall dust and debris from the hole from getting in your eyes or mouth. Always wear this kind of protective gear when repairing holes in drywall and cutting drywall.

You will be working right under a hole and debris and dust will be falling straight down, so more protection is better. Force the plaster into the mesh and the lath as much as possible to help the plaster stick. Just before this coat of plaster is dry, use a nail to scratch the surface to create texture. Apply a second coat of plaster using your plastering trowel. Termites sometimes even fall through these holes.

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