It is almost inevitable that you will need to patch or repair Gyprock somewhere in your house.
Medium
sized hole repairs generally require some sort of backing or support before Gyprock compound is applied. A mesh repair patch adhered over the hole can repair holes up to
75mm in diameter. Generally these repairs are accomplished with 1 or 2 coats of Gyprock compound applied with a putty knife. Before applying the Gyprock compound, use a sharp utility knife to shave away any protruding paper edges from the Gyprock surface. You will want to create a slight indentation so that your Gyprock compound will dry flush with the wall surface.
Apply the first coat of Gyprock compound no more than
3mm thick. Allow it to dry completely. Once dried, scrape the surface smooth using a wide putty knife and apply a second coat. Repeat the process until you have built up the compound slightly higher than the wall surface. Lightly sand to smooth out the patch and blend it in with surrounding wall.
Use a primer paint to
seal the exposed Gyprock compound. After that, paint the repaired
area with paint that matches the rest of the room.
Hints
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Don't be in a hurry. Gyprock compound needs to dry overnight before you can sand it or smooth it out.
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Gyprock compound tends to shrink as it dries. If you apply it too thick, it will also crack. Use several thin layers, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.
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Sanding Gyprock compound is a messy, dusty job. Close doors to prevent dust from messing up other parts of your house.
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Gyprock compound can dry out and/or separate in its container during storage. You may need to mix it up a bit and possibly add a little water. You want a smooth and moist consistency, but not too wet.
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In between coats of Gyprock compound, it is not necessary to sand. You can use a wide putty knife to knock off ridges and high spots. Leave the messy sanding until the end.
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Don't over-apply Gyprock compound. It is more effective to apply several thinner coats. Also, thinner coats will dry faster.
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