Solutions
How To Patch Holes
in Drywall
Live in a home long enough and you'll have to patch holes in the
walls. Whether they're neatly punched out by door knobs or by
roughhousing kids, holes happen no matter how careful you are.
Remodeling also creates some holes when plumbing pipes and
electrical outlets are removed.
Fortunately, fixing holes in drywall doesn't require a lot of
time or skill. We will go through the repair process
step-by-step.
If you have a hole ranging from 1-1/2" to 6" in diameter, Homax
has a product called Wall Patch available from hardware stores,
paint dealers and home centers.
Supplies:
Steps:
- The Wall Patch makes repairing a hole easy. It is available in
three sizes, a 4" x 4", a 6" x 6", and a 8" x 8". Choose a size
slightly larger than your hole.
- The next step is to lightly sand around the hole and wipe away
any dust.
- Then install the Wall Patch by peeling off the backing paper
and pressing it to the wall over the hole. Apply a light spackle or
joint compound over the patch.
- Cover the entire patch area with compound, feathering the
edges. Let dry, then sand. Repeat as needed to eliminate any
visible edges of the patch.
- The next step is to apply drywall texture (if your wall is
textured) so that the patch blends into the surrounding wall. A
great product for this is Spray Texture offered by Homax. Follow
directions on the aerosol can.
- Once the texture has dried, you can prime and paint it to match
the rest of the room.
A little effort patching and matching interior texture before
repainting can make the difference between a good job and a great
job. With Homax's "patch & repair" products, it is easy and the
end results are great.
How To Repair Broken
Ceramic Tile
If a tile and surrounding grout needs to be replaced, you can
make the repair yourself using a tile and grout repair kit. The
Tile Guard Tile Grout Repair Kit, contains a multi-purpose Tile
Grout Adhesive and a grout saw. In just a few easy steps the
inexperienced do-it-yourselfer can complete the repair in
minutes.
Supplies:
Steps:
- First remove all the grout around the damaged tile with the
grout saw. Scratch away the grout with the saw - avoid touching
surrounding tiles with the grout saw, for it may scratch them.
- Pop out the damaged tile with a screwdriver. Always work from
the center of the broken tile. Do not pry against surrounding tiles
as it is easy to chip tiles next to the damaged one. Remove all
broken pieces of tile and grout.
- Apply the pre-mixed tile grout to the back of the replacement
tile and set the tile in place. The grout also acts as an adhesive
for this purpose. Wait 1 to 2 hours.
- Grout around the new tile using the same tile grout. After you
have filled the grout lines completely, use your fingertip or a
mildly damp sponge and smooth the joint.
- Wait 15 minutes, then wipe off any excess, by wiping diagonally
across each joint that was re-grouted with a damp sponge. After 1
hour, polish with a clean, dry cloth.
- Let the new grout dry (24 to 48 hours), and you have
successfully repaired your tile.
How To Repair
Damaged Tile Grout
If small sections of grout have fallen out, you can repair it
yourself using a tile and grout repair kit. The Tile Guard Tile
Grout Repair Kit, contains a multi-purpose Tile Grout Adhesive and
a grout saw. In just a few easy steps the inexperienced
do-it-yourselfer can complete the repair in minutes.
Supplies:
Steps:
- To remove your damaged, cracked or loose grout, you have to use
the grout saw and rake along the grout line. You want to be sure
that you remove at least 1/16" of the grout line. Avoid touching
the tile with the grout saw, for it may scratch tiles.
- Once you have removed the damaged grout, take the pre-mixed
tile grout tube and squeeze the grout into the tile joints that
were removed. To get the correct bead size, trim the nozzle to the
appropriate size.
- After you have filled the joint completely, use your fingertip
or a mildly damp sponge and smooth the joint.
- Wait 15 minutes, then wipe off any excess, by wiping diagonally
across each joint that was re-grouted with a damp sponge.
- After 1 hour, polish with a clean, dry cloth.
- Let the new grout dry (24 to 48 hours), and you have
successfully repaired your grout.
How-To
Restore Whiteness to Tile Grout
Maybe your grout and tile is still an intact, but it looks
stained and dirty. To make your tile and grout look like new again
and protect it for the future, just follow the 3 basic steps of
clean, coat, and seal.
Supplies:
Steps:
- CLEAN: It is important to pre-clean the grout thoroughly. Use
professional strength Tile Guard Tile and Grout Cleaner. Use a
grout brush over grout lines to remove stubborn deposits. Rinse the
surface and then let dry. Under normal conditions 30 minutes is
enough drying time, as long as water is not pooled on the
surface.
- COAT: Coat your grout, use the Tile Guard Tile Grout Coating.
Apply the coating as directed on the package. Let the coating cure
at least 4 hours, and preferably overnight.
Warning: Because the grout coating bonds to porous surfaces,
do not use on any unglazed tiles, slate, concrete block or porous
marble. Always test in an inconspicuous area to ensure
removal.
- HINT: Remove tub and tile caulk and replace with new to make
the corners of the shower/tub look as new as the grout
coating.
- REMOVE COAT: When the grout coating is dry, remove excess
coating off the tiles with non-abrasive scrub pad.
- SEAL: After you have allowed the grout coating to cure, apply
the Silicone Grout Sealer over the coating for extra protection. It
seals the grout lines from stains and water penetration. This
protects the new appearance and makes ongoing cleaning easy.
- Immediately wipe off excess sealant from ceramic tiles with
clean dry cloth. Once applied, the sealant will protect your grout
lines for up to 5 years.
Allow the sealer to cure for the recommended time, and you have
successfully restored the grout to its original whiteness.
How To Patch
Texture on Drywall
The drywall surfaces in many homes and buildings are decorated
with drywall texture. The most commonly used textures are fine
"orange peel", coarser splatters or "knockdown" textures (sometimes
referred to as "Mediterranean" or "Spanish" textures).
Patching drywall texture is often required after making a patch
in drywall leaves a conspicuously smooth spot on the wall surface.
Patching drywall texture is very simple with the use of Spray
Textures from Homax. These textures are applied from an aerosol can
similar to the application of spray paint.
Supplies:
Steps:
- Protect floor and nearby items from over-spray by covering with
drop cloth.
- Tape drop cloth over base molding and trim directly below
patch.
- Shake can of Spray Texture. Shake for one minute after ball
begins to rattle.
- Follow all directions on can and insert appropriate spray
straw.
- Practice spraying on a piece of scrap cardboard before
attempting to spray texture onto wall.
- PROPER TECHNIQUE: You should try to achieve a random splatter
pattern. Hold can approximately 24 inches from wall. Move can in a
orbital motion as you spray. Compare practice patterns to existing
wall texture - try different straw, distance from wall, or can
temperature as necessary to match pattern.
- Spray texture onto wall. Note - do not try to fully cover
patch. Texture should only be applied with 60 - 70% coverage.
- Clear can nozzle by turning can upside down and spraying until
texture is cleared.
- Allow texture to dry then paint.