by Ron Earl Welborn

Created on: December 31, 2006   Last Updated: January 04, 2012

The first question that you have to ask is; How do you want it done? Do you want it done cheap, fast, or right? There are many methods to accomplish this task, from hiding the picture with a picture or other wall hanging to changing the lighting.

However when neither of these methods work we must resort to getting our hands dirty. If it is a small hole, like for instance a nail hole. You can be cheap and fill the hole using toothpaste. A credit card or drivers license makes a good putty knife if your in a bind. And the tooth paste washes right off. This method costs less than a nickel a hole. Why buy a $7 dollar can of Spackle and a $5 putty knife if you can fix it with stuff commonly found in your home?

If the problem is bigger than a pencil eraser you will probably have to spend some money to repair it.

Cracks that often occur where the ceiling meets the wall are easily fixed using latex caulk. Wipe immediately with a damp cloth to smooth out any imperfections. (Note. Be certain that is latex and not oil base caulk. Oil base will not clean up with water.)

For a large hole in drywall you will need a razor knife, 6" putty knife, can of drywall compound, screen mesh cut slightly larger than the hole you are repairing, a pencil, and about 1 foot of string.

#1 Trim the hole out as to taper it in. it needs to be larger on the outside than the inside.

#2 Take the string and tie it to the center of the screen mesh. Place the screen mesh inside the wall careful not to drop it.

#3 Use the pencil or similar dowel to hold the screen in place. You should have the screen on the inside of the wall, the pencil on the outside of the wall. The 2 should be connected by the string in a manner that allows you to twist the pencil until the mesh is firmly in place.

#4 Apply drywall compound 'careful to keep it lower than the wall.' Let dry overnight.

#5 Cut string flush with compound.

#6 Apply compound with 6" putty knife and sand as needed.

I have used this method many times with great results. the wire holds the repair from the back, and the taper holds it from the front. This creates a excellent bond that lasts.

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