How to Fix Drywall Holes Using Mesh Tape

Widen the hole in your drywall with a keyhole saw. Cut the drywall to make a hole 18 by 18 inches.

Rub the edges of the square hole with your drywall rasp. Smooth each side of the square to help the new patch stick to the existing wall.

Slide a 24-inch board into the hole. Adjust the board so that it runs vertically across the center of the square.

Drive two drywall screws with the Phillips bit on your drill so that they go through the drywall above the hole and into the top of the board. Drive two screws through the drywall below the hole to complete the installation of your mini-stud.

Cut a piece of new drywall that is 17 7/8 inches by 17 7/8 inches to make a patch. Rasp the edges of the patch. Hold it in the hole in the wall and attach it to the mini-stud with drywall screws.

Cover the seams around the patch and the screw heads with mesh tape. Cut the tape as necessary with a razor knife.

Fill your drywall pan with compound. Scoop the compound out of the factory bucket with your 6-inch drywall knife and place the compound into the pan.

Scoop a 1/2-inch line of drywall compound along the edge of your 12-inch knife out of your pan. Smear the compound over the entire patch. Smooth the skimmed area and let the compound dry overnight.

Skim the patch with drywall compound again. Smooth the compound by dragging the edge of the 12-inch blade across it several times in different directions. Let the second skim coat dry overnight.

Rub the patch with sanding screens to smooth it and lower it so that it is level with the surface of the existing wall. Take your time while sanding and be careful not to expose the mesh tape. Wipe the dust off the wall with a clean rag.

Apply primer to the patch with a 3-inch paintbrush and let it dry completely. Apply a coat of primer to the entire wall with a roller and let it dry completely. Paint the entire room with fresh paint to make all of the walls match. Let the paint dry completely.