Drywall Patch

Repairing a Small Hole in Drywall
It is fairly simple to repair small drywall holes up to about 4 inches

Patch the Hole
After measuring the size of the area to be patched go to your local home improvement store and buy the appropriately sized adhesive mesh and metal drywall patch. They are usually available in 4", 6" and 8" sizes. The patches are designed to be peel and stick.

Apply Joint Compound
Cover the repair area with joint compound. It is recommended that you not use spackle which is thicker. It will not spread as easy or produce the best finish.
Using a wide blade wallboard taping knife, trowel on 2 or 3 layers of the wallboard joint compound over the wall patch.
Be careful to completely cover the adhesive mesh out beyond the repair patch and blend it to match the surrounding area. Allow this coating to dry and then sand smooth with a sanding block or drywall sanding screen. Don't try to use sandpaper and your hand. You will not achieve a flat surface and the end result will not be pleasing. If required, repeat the process of applying joint compound, feathering and sanding.

Prime and Paint
Once the repair is smooth and feathered prime the repaired area with the proper primer. One method to help blend the patch is to use a small roller with a medium nap. Once the wall is primed and dried, simply paint it with matching paint.
When patching a larger hole, you will need to insert a new piece of drywall and utilize some structural support for the patch.
 
Prepare Opening
The area to be patched will need to have the edges neatly trimmed. Using a framing square, mark off a rectangular section around the damaged area.

Install Support Blocking
The patch will be supported and fastened to two of the sides of the opening with wood support blocking. Cut two lengths of wood slightly longer than the opening. Using 1x4 or 2x4 place one piece inside the opening so that half the surface is exposed in the opening and the other half is covered by the existing wallboard. Hold the board in this position and fasten in place with drywall screws. Place a screw at each end and about 6" apart along the length of the opening.
Place these supports at both sides of the opening.

Install Drywall Wallboard Patch
Measure the opening of the area to be repaired and cut a piece of drywall to fit the opening. Insert the patch into the opening remembering to keep the paintable surface facing out. Fasten the new piece to the blocking supports with drywall screws in each corner and approximately 6" apart along the length of the opening.

Tape Joints of Drywall Patch
You can use paper drywall joint tape and drywall mud but the repair will be easier using a fibreglass mesh adhesive backed joint tape. It is stronger than paper tape and does not require preapplication of adhesive material. Cut lengths of the fibreglass mesh tape and place it along the seams to be repaired. Be sure to cover each length with one continuous piece of tape. Overlap the corner joints.