Drywall Repair: Hole Patches, Water Damage, Popcorn Ceilings & Texture Matching
Self-adhesive mesh kits handle small holes. California-patch method for medium holes. USG joint compound beats premix. Texture-match in a can for invisible repairs. Water damage drywall must be CUT OUT, not patched. Popcorn ceilings need asbestos testing first if your home is pre-1980.
Drywall repair is one of the most common service calls we get, usually because someone tried to do it themselves and the patch is still visible from across the room. Here is how we make repairs invisible.
Small Hole Patches: Self-Adhesive Mesh Kits
Holes under 4" (door knob hits, picture nail blow-outs) get a self-adhesive aluminum mesh patch with joint compound on top. The 3M kit includes everything including primer.
Apply the mesh, three thin coats of joint compound (each one wider than the last), sand smooth between coats. Most homeowners do one thick coat. That always shows.
Medium Holes (4"-12"): California Patch Method
Cut a square of new drywall slightly larger than the hole, cut the back paper around the perimeter so a flange of paper sticks out, mud the flange into the wall like tape. Result: a patch that disappears.
Joint Compound: Use the Pro Stuff
Most home improvement stores sell premix joint compound that contains too much water. It cracks as it dries and shrinks badly. USG Sheetrock all-purpose is what pros use: sands smooth, minimal shrinkage, no cracking.
Texture Matching: The Invisible Finish
Most California walls have orange peel or knockdown texture. Painting over a smooth patch on a textured wall = visible repair. Aerosol texture cans let you spray-match texture onto the patch.
Practice on cardboard first. The trigger has a learning curve. For knockdown, spray, wait 5-10 minutes, then knock down with a flat trowel.
Water Damage: Do Not Just Patch It
Water-damaged drywall must be cut out, not patched over. Steps:
- Find and fix the water source first. Patching wet drywall = mold colony in 30 days.
- Cut out all soft, stained, or warped drywall plus 6 inches of solid drywall around it
- Inspect framing for mold; if visible, hire remediation before continuing
- Replace, tape, mud, sand, prime, paint. Full process
Our water damage drywall service starts at $299 and includes mold inspection.
Popcorn Ceilings: The Honest Truth
Popcorn ceiling removal looks easy on YouTube. In reality:
- Asbestos check first: homes built before 1980 may have asbestos in the popcorn texture. Lab testing is $30-$50.
- It is messy: wet-scraping is the only safe method, and it gets everywhere.
- The ceiling underneath is rough: after scraping you skim coat, sand, prime, and paint.
Most customers pay us $2-$4 per square foot for popcorn removal.
What We Charge
Our drywall service: small holes $99+, medium holes $149+, water damage $299+, new drywall $75/sheet+, texture matching $199+, popcorn removal $2/sqft+.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does drywall repair cost?
Small holes $99+, medium holes $149+, water damage repair $299+, popcorn ceiling removal $2-$4/sqft.
Can you match my wall texture?
Yes, we match knockdown, orange peel, skip trowel, smooth, popcorn.
Do you handle water damage?
Yes, but the water source must be fixed first. We include mold inspection in water damage repair.
Is popcorn ceiling removal asbestos-safe?
We test first if your home is pre-1980. Lab testing is $30-$50 and required before scraping.
Tools & Products We Use on Every Job
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