To undertake any work on your own, you’ll need some basic DIY knowledge as well as tools and materials. These include a “joint compound, sandpaper, new drywall, self-adhesive wire mesh or fibreglass mesh tape, a putty knife and a keyhole saw.”
Step 1 - Preparation
Remove any loose pieces of the old drywall still hanging around the hole, then wipe away dust and debris around it so that it’s clean.
Step 2 - Placing the mesh
Take the wire mesh and cut out a piece that is two to three inches bigger than the hole you are repairing. Place the mesh over the hole and firmly press it into place. If you chose to use fiberglass mesh tape, stretch it over the hole until covered.
Step 3 - Applying compound
Use the joint or patching compound and patch the wire mesh until it is covered. Use a putty knife to smooth it out, flatten out rough edges and blend them in with the wall so the patch is less conspicuous. It might take two or three layers of compound to get adequate coverage. Let it dry.
Step 4 - New drywall section
If the hole is too large for the compound method, you will need a section of new drywall for this drywall repair. Cut the drywall with the keyhole saw, put the patch into position and use the adhesive wire mesh to secure it. Then apply the compound and blend as in Step 3. Let it dry.
Step 5 - Blending it in
Once it’s dry, use the sandpaper to sand it down and make it even. Wipe away the dust, then apply a primer before painting the patch to make it flush with the rest of the drywall. If the wall has wallpaper, cut a piece out and afix it atop of the repaired hole.