Patching Walls Like a Pro from Udemy

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

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

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.

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Painter

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Handyman

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Plasterer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Remodeling Contractor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Maintenance Technician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Laborer

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Carpenter

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Patching Walls Like a Pro

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Syllabus

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