How to Fix Holes in the Wall That Have Cable Outlets

Drywall workers cut holes to accommodate a variety of fixtures, including electrical outlets, light switches, light bulb sockets and cable outlets. Generally, cover plates for each of these types of fixtures will hide the outside edges of the holes created by the workers. But sometimes a hole is too large for a normal plate to cover. For example, you might see a gap next to an installed cable outlet cover. Hardware stores sell oversized plates, which are an inexpensive way to deal with the problem. Another option is to make the hole smaller using paper drywall tape and joint compound.

Cover plate
6-inch drywall knife
Joint compound
Paper drywall tape
100- and 150-grit sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Install the cover plate to determine which sides of the hole require filling. Typically, only one side of the hole will require filling, but you can fill as many sides as you wish. Remove the plate when you’re done.
- 2
  Apply joint compound next to the hole, using a 6-inch drywall knife. Overlap the hole’s edge by a wide enough margin to fill the gap you saw while the cover plate was in place. Don’t worry if the compound drips when you try to fill the gap.
- 3
  Cut a piece of paper drywall tape slightly larger than the edge of the hole you are filling. Lay the tape on the compound, allowing the tape to overlap the hole’s edge. Wipe the tape flat, using the drywall knife.
- 4
  Apply a thick coat of joint compound over the tape. The area of tape suspended over the edge of the hole will act as a bowl, holding the joint compound you're applying. Allow the compound time to dry, which typically takes no more than 24 hours.
- 5
  Smooth your work with 100-grit sandpaper.
- 6
  Apply another thick coat of compound. As much as possible, the edges of your repair should merge seamlessly with the surrounding wall. Allow the compound to dry.
- 7
  Smooth the compound with 150-grit sandpaper.
- 8
  Install the cover plate to ensure the gap has been filled.

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