How to Patch a Hole in a Textured Ceiling | Ask This Old House

In this video, after some electrical work, This Old House paint expert Mauro Henrique helps a homeowner patch a hole left in a textured ceiling.

Painting expert Mauro Henrique shows up to repair the ceiling after Heath Eastman's electrical work. After installing some strapping and a drywall patch, Mauro shows the homeowner how to match the repair with the existing textured ceiling.

Difficulty: 2/5
Time: Several hours (including drying time)
Cost: Under $30

How to Patch a Hole in a Textured Ceiling
1. Cut a patch to match the existing hole's shape and size. Use a hole saw, and screw gun or a keyhole saw to cut the patch from the 1/2-inch drywall.
2. Place a piece of wood strapping above the ceiling. Use the screw gun and some drywall screws to screw through the existing ceiling and into the strapping to hold it in place. Don't over-tighten the screws or the drywall will break.
3. Fit the patch into the hole and screw it into the strapping. Don't overtighten.
4. Mix drywall compound and water in the joint compound tray. Mix it until it's entirely incorporated. Use the margin trowel to push the compound into the joint around the patch. Allow the mud to sit for about 15 minutes.
5. After 15 minutes, place drywall tape over the joint to prevent the compound from cracking. Apply a second coat of drywall compound over the patch. Vary the pattern and angle of the trowel to mimic the texture on the rest of the ceiling.

Materials:

Tools:

About Ask This Old House TV:
From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

Follow This Old House:

How to Patch a Hole in a Textured Ceiling | Ask This Old House

[andrewc]

I could sense this video coming when mauro popped his head out at the end of the last vid lol

[cup_and_cone]

Something tells me he's not going to bother repainting the whole ceiling...

[DS-oiwl]

Every time I watch these types of videos on drywall repairs, it confirms that I am the best.

[michaelcarroll]

I could see that patch from a mile away lol

[JimDean]

When I move a light fixture like that I generally just hang on to the drywall that comes out of the new hole that I just cut. Put a piece of backer strapping in the old hole and that patch will generally fill the hole very nicely. A little bit of joint compound around the edges and you're good to go

[Jg.Wentworth.cashnow]

Heath says "I'm gonna go clean up". We know that electricians don't clean up.

[martyboywex]

You cant see the patch, but you can see the patch🤣

[johnsn]

That guy sent the screw right through the drywall lol

[PaulPeck]

For ceiling repairs, I like to use either FibaFuse tape or fiberglass mesh tape. Because it sits flatter than paper tape. Especially if someone is doing some diy drywall repair.👍🏻🤓

[garthbutton]

Have used this method for years to patch damaged drywall from door knob strikes etc.

[christopherberberena]

Antonio Banderas really knows is stuff Great work.

[Mr.Pop]

The npc home owner has got some crazy hair going on.

[IIIllllIIIIlllll]

Why is James Taylor doing the work himself?

[Guardducks]

I knew maro was gonna make an appearance . Who else would patch that hole ? Lol

[thomassears]

Should be titled "how to fix hole after electricians leave"

[fredbloggs]

There are cell phone apps that will analyze the exact paint code for the color and sheen of the ceiling you can purchase at just about any paint dealer. No need to paint the whole ceiling.

[nnamerz]

Should have just taken the circular hole they cut out for the new light fixture (from the last video) and used it to patch the old light fixture hole. The texture would have been the the same as the rest of the ceiling and you'd only need a tiny bit of compound to fill in the gap which shouldn't be too noticeable.

[zefrum]

TOH gaslighting on not being able to see the patch?

[robertbamford]

The second part of the last video! What is missing is how he gauged the texture to recreate it on the patch.

[deeeznuuuts]

Just had to have a professional come in to patch ours, because we have electric heat wires in the celiing to work around