How to Fix Damaged Sheetrock Yourself

Sheetrock is a common building material used as ceiling and walls in housing and office structures. Over time sheetrock starts to crack, get holes and other imperfections that require a little care in making it new again. You may need to replace the whole sheet of sheetrock versus repairing it depending on the damage. However, if you just have a few dings or holes repairing the sheetrock is the most cost-effective method in saving you money on a home repair bill.

For small holes and dings in the sheetrock you should buy some spackle that is sold at a home improvement company such as Lowe's or Home Depot. You'll need a puddy file or similar like tool to smooth out the spackle on the sheetrock. Make sure you smooth out the spackle and if the holes in the sheetrock are deep add a little more spackle to cover the hole. Allow the spackle to dry overnight and then the next day use a medium course sandpaper to sand down the spackle.

Once you sanded down the spackle use fine grit sandpaper for smoothing out the area. Check the hole area for any areas that did not fill once you sanded down the spackle. If you detect any holes apply additional spackle and allow the area set overnight to dry and repeat the sanding process as stated above.

If you have a big hole you may have to buy sheetrock and cut to place in the hole. You need to buy some sheetrock tape to put the piece into the hole. Also, you'll need to apply a large amount of spackle around the seam of the cutout sheetrock and allow it to dry. You'll need to sand the area and in most cases add more spackle and allow it to set overnight.

If you have dents or dings in the wall just add spackle and sand down. The process is fairly simple as long as you sand the area down so it looks flush with the rest of the wall.

Once you have the repaired sheetrock even with the rest of the wall put some primer on it and paint the same color as the rest of the wall. Wall repair can be pretty simple with a little spackle and sanding.

Another method to cover imperfections in the wall is to spackle the area and sand down best that you can. Then buy some type of textured paint and paint the wall this will cover most imperfections as well as add a new look to the wall versus the flat finish most walls are in houses.