Patching Drywall Around Vents

Learn how to quickly and effectively fix horribly cut or damaged drywall around electrical boxes.

Patching drywall around vents. Use a drywall knife to cover the patch with spackling compound or lightweight joint compound in a crisscross pattern feathering the edges so it blends with the wall. Then cut out the section with a drywall saw or utility knife. Let the compound dry overnight and then sand until smooth. Use a 6 inch drywall taping knife to spread drywall joint compound across the patch and tape to create a smooth flat surface.

To feather the edge increase pressure and angle on the drywall knife as you reach the outer edges of the patch area to minimize or thin the compound on the drywall. Or make a shallow cut by repeatedly scoring the line with a sharp utility knife to begin a hole patch. Run strips of self adhesive fiberglass drywall tape around the patch centering the tape on the seams. Air conditioning ducts that terminate at a wall or ceiling inside a room have tabs for attaching grills also known as registers or trim.

On occasion a home improvement enthusiast may discover that the opening cut in the drywall to install a bath fan is not completely covered by the fan s. How to drywall around air conditioning ducts. It s easier to add backer board than to try to cut the drywall over studs as you learn how to fix drywall.