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The Good Fix

There is a difference between repairing something and repairing it properly. If you come across a situation you don't know how to fix, then you need to call the experts. There are repair professionals who specialize in everything from ovens to roofs. Knowing how to select and hire the right one is half the battle. That's one topic you will find explained here on this website. We've also collected various other articles on repairs and restoration. We don't expect you will be an expert on the topic by the time you finish reading, but we do think you'll be better informed and more able to hire the right expert.

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The Good Fix

Address A Small Knick In Drywall

by Clara Nichols

A small knick in drywall may affect a paint job and the damaged section could eventually compromise the integrity of a wall, if moisture or pressure were to come into play and form a hole where the blemish is. Address the issue by using patch or putty to fill the hole and by covering the repaired area with primer and interior paint.

You Will Need

  • sponge
  • detergent or spray cleanser
  • floor protectant
  • carpenter's knife
  • patch or putty (spackling compound)
  • spatula or putty knife
  • sanding equipment
  • primer
  • paint
  • paintbrush

Clean, Cut, And Fill

The knick may have dirt or clay particles trapped aroud it and the surface should be cleaned thoroughly with a sponge and soapy water or a spray cleanser. Wait for the clean surface to dry. Although you won't be cutting deep into the wall, some of the material may fall onto the flooring when you attempt to cut around the knick. For this reason, use a small drop cloth or plastic sheeting to protect the carpeting or bare flooring that is adjacent to the wall that is being repaired.

Use a carpenter's knife to cut around the knick and create a beveled edge. The slight slope of the edge will make it possible for you to pack patch or putty inside of the groove and the product will bond with the edges that were created with the knife. A metal spatula or a putty knife can be used to apply a spackling compound or paste into the groove. Use a light coating of the product and spread it out. Continue applying the product, until it appears to be flush with the rest of the wall. 

Sand, Prime, And Paint

Within an hour or two the compound will dry. When you touch the surface of the compound, you may notice that it is slightly rough. Use a hand sander or a sanding block to smooth the surface of the fresh compound. Primer and paint should be applied over the repaired area, since these two items were originally applied to the rest of the wall. If you used paint swatches in the past, to aid in choosing a paint color for the room that you are repairing the wall in, use these to help you determine the color shade of the paint that you will need.

You can also use a photograph of the wall, to aid in selecting a bottle of touch up interior paint that will be a perfect match. A slow and steady application that involves using a narrow-tipped brush will ensure that primer and paint does not affect the portion of the wall that was unblemished.

If you notice knick in your drywall, know there are options for drywall repair and get your walls back to like-new condition. 

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