5 Tips for Drywall Repairs in Edmonton
Drywall damage happens in almost every home. Whether it’s a small dent, a screw pop, door knob, or a large hole from a plumbing repair. Knowing how to handle drywall repairs can save you time and frustration. If you’re looking for help with drywall repairs in Edmonton—especially West Edmonton contact RG Handyman.
Here are five practical tips to guide you through the process.
1. Assess the Damage First
Start by figuring out what kind of repair you’re dealing with:
- Dents of any size as long as there is still drywall paper and solid backing are easy fixes with spackle or lightweight joint compound.
- Small holes usually under 3/4 of inch are easily fixed with spackle or drywall mud.
- Medium holes (½ inch to 6 inches) can be handled with mesh tape or patch kits. A more solid repair would be to replace a small piece of the drywall for a professional fix.
- Large holes or areas with water damage often require cutting out and replacing a section of drywall.
Matching your approach to the damage makes the repair faster and more durable.
2. Use the Right Tools and Materials
Having the right materials on hand makes a big difference. For most drywall repairs, you’ll need:
- Putty knife, common sizes are 4 inch, 6 inch, and 12 inch - aim to use a knife twice the size of your repair.
- Joint compound or spackle.
- Drywall patch or paper or mesh tape.
- Sanding sponge or fine sandpaper (220 grit).
- Primer and paint.
If you're doing drywall repairs in West Edmonton, your local hardware store will have everything you need.
3. Don't Sand Between Coats
One of the most important parts of drywall repair is applying joint compound (mud) correctly—not sanding after every coat, but instead scraping down high spots. You don't want to apply excessive amounts of drywall mud to then just have to sand it all off.
Start by applying your first coat of compound and let it dry fully. Once dry, lightly scrape off any high spots using your drywall knife. This helps keep the repair flat and prevents uneven buildup.
Drywall mud tends to shrink as it dries, so you’ll usually need 2 to 3 coats to fill small repairs, and 3 to 5 coats when you're taping a larger patch. The goal is to gradually build up the thickness while feathering the edges farther out with each coat. This makes the repair blend smoothly into the surrounding wall.
Between each coat:
- Let it dry completely.
- Scrape any ridges or bumps—don’t sand at this stage. You just want a flat surface to work with.
- Keep your layers thin to avoid shrinkage or cracking.
After the final coat has dried and been scraped, then lightly sanded, apply primer. However, don't apply primer yet if you plan to texture the repair area. If you notice any minor imperfections after priming, apply a skim coat over the area. Once that dries, re-prime the touch-ups before painting. This extra step can make a big difference in how seamless the repair looks once it's painted.
4. Match Texture and Paint
Once your drywall repair is dry and smooth, it’s time to match the wall texture so the patch blends in.
Depending on the finish, here are a few options:
- Use spray can texture products for small areas or light orange peel finishes.
- Rent a texture sprayer if you have a large section to repair with a heavy texture.
- Use a sponge technique for blending orange peel or knockdown textures manually.
After texturing, let it dry completely.
Always prime the repaired area before painting. Skipping primer can lead to a noticeable visual outline known as flashing—this happens when the unprimed drywall mud absorbs more paint than the surrounding wall, making the patch look dull or discolored.
5. Know When to Call a Pro
Some drywall issues—like repeatedly appearing cracks, water stains, or large holes can require more skill to achieve a professional look. If the job seems too complex or keeps coming back, it’s smart to bring in an experienced drywall repair expert.
RG Custom Handyman provides reliable, professional drywall repairs in Edmonton, including West Edmonton, and can handle everything from small patches to major repairs.
Need Professional Drywall Repairs in West Edmonton?
If you want it done right the first time, we’re here to help. We offer expert drywall repairs across Edmonton, with a focus on West Edmonton for homes and business's. Whether it’s a quick fix or a full wall replacement, we’ll get the job done cleanly and efficiently.
📞 Contact us today for a free estimate or to book service.
