Drywall is often used to finish interior walls and ceilings in homes and businesses. It is a relatively simple material to install and relatively easy to repair when it becomes damaged. One of the most common drywall repairs is damaged inside corner joints. Inside corner joints are the decorative edges where two pieces of drywall meet at a 90-degree angle. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most easily damaged areas of drywall due to repeated impacts from furniture, doors, and other sources. In this article, we will discuss how to repair drywall inside corner damage.
Materials Needed for Drywall Inside Corner Repair
Before you can begin to repair drywall inside corner damage, you will need to gather the necessary materials. The following items should be available at most hardware stores or home improvement stores:
- Drywall saw
- Drywall joint compound
- Drywall corner bead
- Tape measure
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Masking tape
Steps to Repair Drywall Inside Corner Damage
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you can begin the process of repairing drywall inside corner damage. The following steps will guide you through the process:
1. Remove the Damaged Drywall
Using a drywall saw, carefully remove the damaged drywall from the inside corner joint. Be sure to remove all of the damaged material, including any paper or tape. Make sure not to cut into the adjacent pieces of drywall.
2. Measure and Cut the New Drywall
Using a tape measure, measure the inside corner joint and then cut a piece of drywall to match. Make sure to use a drywall saw for this step.
3. Install the New Drywall
Carefully place the new piece of drywall into the inside corner joint and use drywall screws to secure it in place. Make sure the screws are not too long, as they can damage the adjacent pieces of drywall.
4. Apply Joint Compound
Using a putty knife, apply a layer of joint compound over the entire inside corner joint, including the new piece of drywall. Make sure to smooth out the compound and to fill in any gaps or cracks.
5. Install the Corner Bead
Place the corner bead into the joint compound and use a putty knife to press it into place. Make sure to press the corner bead firmly into the joint compound.
6. Apply Additional Joint Compound
Once the corner bead is in place, apply another layer of joint compound over the entire joint. Make sure to cover the corner bead completely.
7. Sand the Joint Compound
Once the joint compound has dried, use a piece of sandpaper to sand down the joint compound until it is smooth. Make sure to use a light touch, as sanding too aggressively can damage the adjacent pieces of drywall.
8. Prime and Paint
Once the joint compound has been sanded, prime and paint the repaired area. Make sure to use a high-quality primer and paint to prevent future damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials do I need to repair drywall inside corner damage?
You will need a drywall saw, drywall joint compound, drywall corner bead, tape measure, putty knife, sandpaper, and masking tape.
How do I install the new piece of drywall?
Carefully place the new piece of drywall into the inside corner joint and use drywall screws to secure it in place. Make sure the screws are not too long, as they can damage the adjacent pieces of drywall.
How do I apply joint compound?
Using a putty knife, apply a layer of joint compound over the entire inside corner joint, including the new piece of drywall. Make sure to smooth out the compound and to fill in any gaps or cracks.
How do I install the corner bead?
Place the corner bead into the joint compound and use a putty knife to press it into place. Make sure to press the corner bead firmly into the joint compound.
How do I sand the joint compound?
Once the joint compound has dried, use a piece of sandpaper to sand down the joint compound until it is smooth. Make sure to use a light touch, as sanding too aggressively can damage the adjacent pieces of drywall.
Do I need to prime and paint the repaired area?
Yes, once the joint compound has been sanded, you should prime and paint the repaired area. Make sure to use a high-quality primer and paint to prevent future damage.