How to Fix a Dry Wall Panel on the Ceiling

Small Hole

• 1

  Cut away loose drywall material with a utility knife if the damage is caused by a small dent or hole. Sand the damaged area with 80-grit sandpaper.

• 2

  Apply a thin layer of joint compound with a small putty knife. Cover the damaged area.

• 3

  Let the joint compound dry. Sand down any bumps with 80-grit sandpaper. Add another layer of joint compound if necessary and let dry. Prime and paint the area as necessary.

Soggy Ceiling

• 4

  Sand the damaged area with a hand sander and a coarse sanding mesh.

• 5

  Reinforce the ceiling by driving drywall nails into the drywall at the seams. This helps the drywall reattach to the joist.

• 6

  Thin your joint compound mixture with water. Roll a paint roller with the compound and roll over the damaged or discolored area.

• 7

  Prime and paint the ceiling.

Medium-sized Holes

• 8

  Draw a box that is one-half inch larger in size around the damaged area. Cut out the damaged drywall area by running a utility knife around the outline you drew.

• 9

  Place drywall mesh material from the drywall repair kit over the damaged area.

• 10

  Cover the mesh material with joint compound. Let it dry. Sand down any bumps and repeat as necessary.

Large Holes

• 11

  Cut out the damaged drywall area to the nearest ceiling joists. Use a drywall saw to make a clean cut.

• 12

  Screw a 2-by-4 nailer between the joists with 1 5/8-inch long drywall screws. This will provide your new piece of drywall with a supportive backing.

• 13

  Cut out a new piece of drywall for the hole using a drywall saw. Use 2-inch thick drywall tape to tape around all of the seams.

• 14

  Dip a 4-inch taping knife blade into the joint compound to cover up about half of the knife. Apply the joint compound to the seams with the knife at a 45-degree angle.

• 15

  Add two more layers of joint compound, letting the compound dry between each application. Use a 6-inch blade for the second layer and a 10-inch blade for the last layer. Each layer of joint compound will take about 24 hours to dry. Use 400-grit sandpaper to sand the last layer of compound.