We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Steve Maxwell

Patching drywall and masking walls lays the essential groundwork for any good interior paint job, and doing this work yourself is an excellent way to save money. Veteran home improvement instructor Steve Maxwell shows you how to make success easy.

Read more

Patching drywall and masking walls lays the essential groundwork for any good interior paint job, and doing this work yourself is an excellent way to save money. Veteran home improvement instructor Steve Maxwell shows you how to make success easy.

Patching and wall prep skills aren't just for people who do their own painting. Are you planning to hire a professional painter? Prepping walls properly beforehand is still worthwhile because it saves the painter time and hassle, and this means you save money.

Wall prep is one of those things that's frustrating if you don't know the tricks, but easy when you understand the basics. That's where this course comes in. Steve shows you exactly how to achieve professional-grade wall prep and masking results, even if you've never done it before.

After taking Steve's course you'll know how to:

  • Choose essential tools and supplies for assembling your own wall patching kit
  • Patch pesky and annoying nail and screw holes in three quick steps
  • Fix drywall screw pops at least as well as any professional drywaller
  • Understand drywall compound, wall spackle and setting-type wall compounds
  • Patch holes using two hand tools, compound, spackle and a sanding sponge
  • Repair damaged areas larger than a walnut using strips of wood as backing supports.
  • Apply critical fine-tuning steps to patched areas before repainting
  • Choose proper masking tape for different applications
  • Apply painter's tapes so you get super-crisp painted results just like a pro
  • Use painter's tape to create neat caulking around bathtubs, windows – anywhere
Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Choose the essential tools and supplies for a drywall patching kit
  • Patch those pesky and annoying nail and screw holes in three quick steps
  • Fix drywall screw and nail pops at least as well as any professional drywaller
  • Understand the difference between drywall compound, wall spackle and setting-type wall compounds
  • Patch holes as big around as a walnut using nothing more than two hand tools, setting-type compound, spackle and a sanding sponge
  • Repair damaged areas larger than a walnut using strips of wood as backing supports.
  • Apply critical fine-tuning steps to patched areas before repainting
  • Choose proper masking tape for different applications
  • Apply special painters tapes like this so you get super-crisp painted results just like a pro
  • Use painter’s tape while caulking to virtually guarantee perfectly crisp results around bathtubs, windows, doors and anywhere else

Syllabus

Start Here

In this introductory lecture, veteran home improvement instructor Steve Maxwell outlines the drywall patching and drywall repair skills he'll be teaching, when they can be used, and the types of drywall flaws you'll be able to repair when you're finished the course.

Read more
By the end of this lecture you'll know exactly which tools and supplies you'll need to complete basic drywall repairs

Steve shows the four essential drywall repair tools you'll need and how to select them:

  • utility knife
  • drywall knife
  • sanding sponges
  • repair compound
Test Your Drywall Repair Toolkit Knowledge
At the end of this section you'll be a pro at fixing old nail holes, screws pops, small holes and large holes.

Old nail holes are the most common kind of drywall damage, and fixing them is the easiest type of repair. Watch and see how success depends on dimpling the surface before filling.

Screw pops (also called nail pops) are a common problem in new homes as wet framing lumber dries and shrinks. Fixing them involves removing all the old compound, replacing with fresh, then sanding.

Repairing larger holes involves the use of setting compound applied as a foundation layer. Another essential trick is trimming away frazzled paper from the edge of the damage zone.

Big holes need some kind of backing before the application of setting type compound. Installing it in strips is the best way to make this happen.

Test Your Drywall Repair Knowledge
This lecture shows you how to paint areas of repair without repainting the whole wall

If you've got some left over paint, there's no need to repaint an entire wall after patching. Here's how to use a mini roller to cover patched zones.

Regular masking tape doesn't usually create crisp painted lines. Painter's tape works much better, but only if it's applied right.

Masking tape is the best way to create perfectly neat caulking joints. It works indoors and outside, and speeds results, too.

Check Your Spot Painting and Masking Knowledge
Be sure to watch this final lecture as Steve recaps how to do a good job with your drywall and your DIY life
A Few Final Tips

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches do-it-yourself drywall patching and wall preparation skills, which empowers learners to save money on home improvement projects
Guided by Steve Maxwell, a veteran home improvement instructor, learners can expect to achieve professional-grade wall preparation and masking results
Provides step-by-step instructions for fixing drywall screw and nail pops, making it accessible for learners of all skill levels
Emphasizes the importance of critical fine-tuning steps before repainting patched areas, ensuring a seamless finish
Covers different applications of masking tape, allowing learners to achieve crisp painted results and neat caulking around various surfaces
Adequately prepares learners to undertake wall patching and masking tasks, even without prior experience

Save this course

Save Patching Walls Like a Pro to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Patching Walls Like a Pro with these activities:
Review: Basics on Materials Science and Engineering
Will enable you to quickly recall the basic concepts that will be covered in the course, helping you to more easily follow the material and fill in gaps in your knowledge.
Browse courses on Materials Science
Show steps
  • Review textbooks materials
  • Re-watch fundamental video lectures
Form a Study Group
Working with peers can enhance understanding, foster collaboration, and provide diverse perspectives on the course material.
Show steps
  • Identify classmates who share similar interests or strengths
  • Set regular meeting times to discuss course content
  • Work together on assignments or projects
Practice Problem Solving Exercises
Provide necessary reinforcement to concepts covered in the course and will allow you to test your understanding and identify areas where you may need additional support.
Show steps
  • Work through practice problems in your course textbook
  • Attempt online quizzes or practice tests
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore External Resources
Exposure to multiple learning resources can enhance comprehension, provide alternative explanations, and deepen your understanding of the subject matter.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials or videos on specific topics
  • Review articles or research papers related to course content
Develop a Study Guide
Will aid in organizing and summarizing the key concepts and materials covered in the course, improving your retention and understanding.
Show steps
  • Review class notes and textbooks to identify important topics
  • Organize and summarize key concepts
  • Create flashcards or a digital study guide
Attend Industry Events
Connect with professionals, learn about the latest trends and career opportunities, and expand your professional network.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant industry events
  • Attend workshops, conferences, or exhibitions
  • Network with professionals in your field
Design and Build a Prototype
Transforms theoretical knowledge into practical application, demanding critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific problem or challenge
  • Brainstorm and research potential solutions
  • Design and develop a prototype
  • Test and evaluate the prototype
  • Refine and iterate the design
Participate in Competitions
Test your abilities, gain recognition for your accomplishments, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Show steps
  • Identify competitions or hackathons related to your interests
  • Form a team or work independently
  • Develop a solution or project
  • Submit your work and compete

Career center

Learners who complete Patching Walls Like a Pro will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Painter
Painters apply paint or similar coatings to buildings, bridges, and other structures. They also mix and match colors and prepare and clean surfaces to be painted or coated. The course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," could be useful for those looking to pursue a career as a Painter, as it can help them develop the skills needed to repair and patch surfaces, and later apply new coatings of paint or other finishes.
Handyman
Handymen perform a wide range of repairs and maintenance tasks in residential and commercial buildings. They may fix leaky faucets, install light fixtures, or repair drywall, among other tasks. Taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful for Handymen who are looking to improve their skills in patching and repairing walls, as this is a common task they may encounter in their work.
Plasterer
Plasterers apply plaster to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures. Using a variety of tools including brushes and trowels, plasterers create smooth surfaces on walls and ceilings, and repair or restore existing plaster finishes. The course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful as it can teach individuals various tools and techniques used by plasterers to repair surfaces, including applying a smooth finish to walls and ceilings.
Remodeling Contractor
Remodeling Contractors plan, supervise, and complete home improvement projects, from kitchens and bathrooms to whole-house renovations. They manage the entire process, from design and planning to obtaining permits and hiring subcontractors. Taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful for these Contractors when they need to ensure that walls are properly patched and prepared before applying new finishes or completing other remodeling tasks.
Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Technicians repair and maintain buildings, machinery, or equipment. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, factories, or office buildings. Taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful for Maintenance Technicians who are responsible for maintaining and repairing walls and other surfaces as part of their job duties.
Construction Laborer
Construction Laborers perform a variety of tasks on construction sites, such as digging, pouring concrete, and erecting scaffolding. They may also assist other construction workers, such as carpenters and masons. Taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful for Construction Laborers who are looking to gain knowledge in patching and repairing walls, as this is a common task they may encounter in their work.
Plumber
Plumbers design and install piping systems that convey water, gas, and waste. They may also repair or maintain existing piping systems. Taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful for Plumbers who are looking to gain knowledge in patching and repairing walls, as they may encounter this task when installing or repairing piping systems in buildings.
Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and other buildings. They may also work on electrical equipment, such as generators and transformers. Taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful for Electricians who are looking to gain knowledge in patching and repairing walls, as they may encounter this task when installing or repairing electrical systems in buildings.
Interior designer
Interior Designers plan and create interior spaces that are functional, safe, and visually appealing. They may work on a variety of projects, from homes and offices to restaurants and retail stores. Taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful for Interior Designers, as it can help them ensure the surfaces they design with are properly prepared, patched, and ready for the application of various finishes, paints, and other design elements.
Property Manager
Property Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of residential, commercial, or industrial properties. They may be responsible for a variety of tasks, such as collecting rent, maintaining the property, and enforcing lease agreements. Taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful for Property Managers who are looking to gain knowledge in patching and repairing walls, as this is a common maintenance task they may encounter in their work.
Carpenter
Carpenters handle all types of repairs and new construction involving wood, from framing and flooring to installing ceilings, walls, and even cabinetry. As a Carpenter, you'll wield tools and materials to build or fix any part of a structure, whether it be a small home or a large commercial building. These individuals need to have knowledge in framing and other carpentry techniques, and sometimes even general contracting duties. Taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful in gaining a strong foundation in patching techniques that could be expanded to other carpentry tasks.
Construction Manager
Construction Managers oversee building and construction projects from the planning stages to the final stages of construction. Individuals in this role may oversee the work of architects and engineers, as well as other construction trades, in order to ensure a project is completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with plans and specifications. Taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful in gaining insight into some of the components used on building projects and how to correct imperfections.
Estimator
Estimators calculate material and labor costs for construction projects to determine project costs and create budgets. Construction Estimators often have backgrounds in construction management, architecture, or engineering. An Estimator may also need to be knowledgeable about building materials, including drywall and the techniques used with drywall. With this, taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful in better understanding how to price out projects and calculate costs for contractors.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and water treatment plants. An understanding of how structures are built is helpful for Civil Engineers, and taking the course "Patching Walls Like a Pro," could provide insight into some of the components used on projects and how imperfections can be corrected.
Architect
Architects design buildings and other structures. They may work on a variety of projects, from homes and offices to schools and hospitals. Although an Architect's main responsibilities do not include the patching of walls, taking the course, "Patching Walls Like a Pro," may be useful in giving these individuals a comprehensive understanding of how walls are built, so that they can better understand what type of repairs are needed.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Patching Walls Like a Pro.
Provides a comprehensive guide to drywall installation and repair, with a focus on practical, hands-on techniques.
Provides a comprehensive guide to drywall installation and repair, with a focus on best practices recommended by the National Association of Home Builders.
Provides a comprehensive guide to painting and decorating, including a section on drywall repair.
Provides a comprehensive guide to painting and decorating, including a section on drywall repair.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser