How to Patch Crumbling Drywall!

It's an easy fix. Here's one more method for your toolbox!

[Rob-mvoj]

Future homeowners buying a house need to see this. So many of them freak out and want you to replace the sheet. Drywall is easily fixed

[jasonmyers]

I’m a painter and drywall finisher for Penn State University and I do that same patch every day! Ha! Lots it’s student damages! I use fiber fuse like crazy, probably a roll or two a week! Awesome job!

[edover]

As someone who mostly does repair work this type of video is gold. Always enjoy your videos Ben!

[barms]

I can't emphasize enough the truth about all-purpose (air-dry) mud vs the setting type.

I'm not professionally trained as a drywall finisher, but I do drywall repairs or smaller finish jobs professionally when the need arises on bigger projects. I'm mostly self-taught or would pick up pointers and techniques here and there from subcontracted finishers.

It took me years to learn what you said toward the end, as I didn't really understand the difference between the mud types. I eventually learned that all-purpose mud should only be used as a really thin finish coat, or final 2 coats if there's going to be a lot of sanding, but NEVER use it for the first (structural) coat because it shrinks and/or cracks when applied too thick, and it doesn't adhere as well as setting type mud.

For those who are apprehensive like I used to be about "mixing" the setting type compound:
Get 45 minute first, and only mix a little at a time until you get to know how to work with it. Once you feel it start to thicken/harden while troweling it out, STOP! Dump what's in your pan, clean your tools, and mix another batch. Once the stuff starts to harden even a little bit, it is practically unusable for anything except making a mess of your work because of how rapidly it cures. Do not try to add water to salvage what's in your pan, it won't work.

Cleaning your tools is essential too, mainly because the setting type compound will strongly adhere to your tools, and will not rinse/scrub off (like the air-dry stuff) once it's cured. The only way to get tools cleaned at that point is sanding, or chiseling it off, which will likely ruin the tool. Just rinse and wipe tools clean while the mud is still malleable.

[marcleblanc]

I learn so.much much from your videos.. You show mess ups, you dont hide the fact sometimes you have tonuse what you have on hand and make it work. Awesome Job Ben, and Thanks to you and your family for sharing.

[BamaBreeze]

Had a small handyman repair this week and your videos saved me. Much appreciated as I have little Sheetrock experience.

[edgill]

I have been in this position myself. Not the most ideal plan but, it works. I've found that cleaning the dust off with a damp sponge creates a easier and better bond between the speed set and the damage drywall. Thank you for the great content!!

[theplaid]

Love the drywall patch videos. I am a renovator and most of what I do is small patches. I always keep a spray can of oil based zinser on hand to seal loose edges before skimming questionable drywall where the face paper is loose or torn. Nice thing us the primer will dry in about an hour if it's a light coat

[dukecraig]

After putting down fiberglass tape whether you're patching or taping joints spray it with spray glue, that prevents any loose strands from standing up and creating all those little dots in your finish and you can just do everything in one coat of mud.

[nickpiscopo]

I'm drywalling my whole house that I just bought and these videos really help! Thank you so much!

[lordosmosisx]

Man. You've taught me so much. The first patch I ever did was a 2x2 patch and your video helped me do it almost as good as a pro.

[akdrywallguy]

Nice job on the patch and THANKS for the positive vibes! We can all use more of that - Cheers!

[matthewwert]

I love the Fibafuse products. I have 120+ brick home...some cracks in the concrete skim coat and drywall sags on the walls/ceiling. I use the Fibafuse 36" x 150' rolls along with the 2 1/16" & 6" rolls...started skim coating my entire home following your techniques, but the 36" rolls of Fibafuse are a game changer. I simply coat the walls and cover it with the Fibafuse and smooth out, second coat next and....done after a light sand, ready for prime & paint.

[dangtran_decoration]

your instructions are very detailed, glad to see you are still doing this job for such a long time, it is similar to my profession .🥰

[MC-vely]

Thank you! I’m removing my kitchen tile backsplash and only one spot had a little crumbling from the drywall. Luckily, my husband had all of the materials so I knocked it out before he got home.

[fbad]

Been waiting for the drywall repairs on the garage, Ben. Thank you!

[guybowers]

Another great video with real world application for us DIYrs

[jackjax]

This video was really helpful man. I miss your drywall tutorials!
Thanks so much Ben.

[tyroneclarke]

Hi Ben. Another great repair video. Thank you for sharing. Learnt so much from you. Cheers from a southern land 🦘🇦🇺.

[michaeljulius]

Great lesson -I wish I saw this one last weekend before I started my drywall patch job😊