Drywall DIY tips for homeowners:

Filling holes

• Holes of diameter greater than 2” should be cut square and filled with replacement drywall
• If insufficient backing exists to hold the replacement drywall, insert a strip or two of plywood (approximately 4" longer than height of hole) into the hole and attach above and below the hole using drywall screws. The replacement material can now be screwed to the new backing
• Be careful not to damage the vapour barrier behind drywall on insulated surfaces.  Damaged vapour barrier must be properly patched before filling hole.

Proper mud thickness is essential.  Aim for something with thickness between pancake batter and soft ice cream.

• Use thinner mud for taping and final coats, and thicker mud for intermediate coats
• Even pre-mix mud requires thinning
• Thinning needs to be uniform. If a proper low speed drill and mixing paddle isn't available (or is impractical for the small amount of material to be mixed), consider using a kitchen mixer.

Taping

• Fibreglass and paper tape are two primary means of covering tape. Each have their advantages and disadvantages
• For simple repairs, fibreglass tape is easiest to work with and finish
  • It is recommended that fibreglass tape be first coated with setting type compound
  • Powdered setting compounds are available in varieties that harden in 15 to 90 minutes
  • Taping fibreglass with lighter weight pre-mixed compounds increases the risk of cracking appearing in the finished seam
• Expect over the course of several coats to smooth the taped joint to widths of up to 30” to prevent the repair being visible in the painted surface
• Use a wide knife for the second and third coats.  A 10” or 12” works well in areas with sufficient space
• For beginners it is often easier to apply a multitude of very thin coats rather than one or two lumpy coats that require excessive sanding. Be sure to scrape off any ridges between coats to prevent the ridges from dragging in the following mud coat.

For professional results without the hassle consider getting a quote from Saul Surfaces, no job is too small.