Cost and Techniques-How to fix damaged drywall

Do any of these sound familiar- I removed wallpaper and my walls are destroyed! We took paneling from our walls and parts of the walls came off with the paneling! We used some tape on our wall to hang pics and the tape and adhesive pulled the paint off the wall- now what? I ahve Been there and done that. Lets dive into how to fix damaged drywall. Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with nail pops, cracks, or entire walls that need skim coating, damaged drywall is a real headache.

If you’re preparing for paint or wallpaper, getting your drywall smooth will get a nice looking wall- just like the pro’s! This drywall repair guide covers what you need to know about repairing drywall, including tools, techniques, approximate costs, and a comparison between DIY and hiring a professional.

Common Questions About Drywall Repair

• How do you repair damaged drywall? Fixing drywall typically involves patching drywall damage, holes or cracks with joint compound, sanding the surface smooth, and priming it for paint or wallpaper.
• What is the best primer for problem drywall? GARDZ Problem Surface Sealer, we think is best for sealing damaged or compromised drywall, especially peeling drywall damage or peeled paint.
• How much does it cost to skim coat walls? Skim coating costs vary depending on the scope of work but typically range from $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot.
• Is dustless sanding worth it for drywall repairs? Absolutely. Tools like the Festool sander paired with a HEPA vacuum dramatically reduce dust, making cleanup easier and healthier. (see the video!)
• Should I DIY or hire a professional for drywall repair? That depends on the damage. Small nail pops or cracks are manageable for most DIYers, but larger repairs or skim coating are better left to professionals for a flawless finish.

Tools and Products for Drywall Repairs

Having the right tools and products makes all the difference in drywall repair. Here’s what we recommend:

Dustless Sanders

• The Festool sander paired with a HEPA vacuum minimizes drywall dust, which is a game-changer for keeping your space clean and safe. This is especially beneficial for homes with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.

GARDZ Problem Surface Sealer

• This primer is ideal for sealing compromised drywall. It’s perfect for surfaces with peeling paint, wallpaper adhesive residue, or water stains. GARDZ locks down the surface and creates a durable base for skim coating or painting.

Other Tools

• Taping knives and mud pans for applying joint compound.
• Corner tools for sharp edges.
• Sandpaper or sanding sponges for detailed smoothing work.

Step-by-Step Process for Repairing Damaged Drywall

1. Assess and Prep the Area

• Remove loose or flaking paint and clean the surface with a damp cloth.
• For nail pops, drive the nail deeper into the wall and cover it with joint compound.
• For cracks, widen them slightly with a utility knife to allow joint compound to bond effectively.

2. Apply Joint Compound– UNless your walls look like above then prime 1st!

• Use a taping knife to apply joint compound over small cracks, nail holes, or dents.
• For extensive damage, skim coat the wall by spreading a thin, even layer of joint compound across the entire surface.

3. Sand Smooth with a Dustless Sander

• After the joint compound dries, use a Festool sander connected to a HEPA vacuum to smooth the surface. Dustless sanding is cleaner and leaves you with a smoother finish compared to traditional methods.

4. Re-Prime the Surface

• Apply GARDZ Problem Surface Sealer to stabilize and seal the repaired areas. This prevents bubbling or peeling and provides a solid foundation for your topcoat.
• read more about primer for damaged drwall here

5. Reprime if Skim Coating Was Done

• If you skim-coated the entire wall, reprime it after sanding to ensure a uniform finish sheen, no shiney spots or dull areas will be found!

6. Paint or Wallpaper

• Once primed, your walls are ready for paint or wallpaper.
• Read more about paint types here

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

DIY Pros:

• Cost Savings: You’ll save on labor costs.
• Small Repairs: Easy fixes like nail pops or small cracks.
• Satisfaction: Completing the job yourself when you want it done-your schedule not theirs.

DIY Cons:

• Time-Consuming: Larger repairs require patience and multiple steps, hard when your working ful time
• Skill Level: Achieving a perfectly smooth skim coat takes experience!
• Tools: Investing in quality tools like a dustless sander may offset cost savings.

Hiring a Professional Pros:

• Expertise: Professionals can handle extensive damage and ensure great results.
• Efficiency: They have the tools and skills to complete the job faster.
• Convenience: Less mess, less stress—let someone else handle it.- One more thing off the honeyy do list!

Hiring a Professional Cons:

• Higher Cost: Labor can add $2.50 to $5.00 per square foot, depending on the job.

Cost Breakdown Per Square Foot to fix drywall

• Cleaning & Prep: $0.50–$1.00
• Skim Coating: $1.50–$3.00
• Priming (initial & final): $0.50–$1.00

Total Cost: $2.50–$5.00 per square foot for complete drywall repair and preparation.

Best Practices for Drywall Repair

1. Prime Before and After Skim Coating: Using GARDZ ensures long-term durability and prevents issues like bubbling or peeling.
2. Invest in Dustless Sanding Tools: Minimizing dust not only keeps your home clean but also makes the process more efficient.
3. Don’t Skip Prep Work: Proper cleaning and surface preparation are essential for a seamless finish.

Local Painters serving Homeowners in Huntley, IL, and Beyond

At D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper, we specialize in drywall repair and preparation for painting or wallpaper. Whether you’re in Huntley, Algonquin, Pingree Grove, or other Chicago suburbs, we’re here to help transform your walls into a flawless canvas.

If you’re tackling drywall repairs, contact us today for expert advice or to schedule professional services. Let’s make your walls look better than ever!