How to Patch a Drywall Ceiling

Drywall ceilings aren’t as vulnerable to damage as walls, but when holes occur, they should be patched differently than holes in walls. If you buy a kit, make sure you buy one specifically for ceiling patches. Also remember that ceiling drywall is thicker than the sheets used for walls. Patching a drywall hole can be relatively quick and simple. Follow these guidelines for patching holes in ceiling drywall.

Step 1 – Measure the Hole 

Measure out a square which reaches to the farthest point of damage in each direction.

Step 2 – Cut Out a Square in the Ceiling

Using a drywall saw, cut a square/rectangle out of the ceiling that removes all of the damaged drywall. Use a utility knife to smooth out any rough edges of the new square hole left in your ceiling. 

Step 3 – Cut Out a Square Patch

Using the same measurements, cut out a square patch for a sheet or scrap piece of ceiling drywall. If the scrap you are cutting from is thinner that what is in your ceiling it is because the scrap is from a sheet meant for the wall not the ceiling. Test out your square patch by fitting it into the square hole you cut out of your ceiling. Cut out any rough spots or jagged edges from the patch or the ceiling that prohibits the patch from fitting in the hole. 

Step 4 – Secure Wood Cleats

Two wood cleats can act as a support for your patch and give you something to secure your patch to. Set aside your patch and secure the wood cleats to the inside of your ceiling so that they can act as a backing for your square patch. Secure the cleats to the drywall with drywall screws, leaving much of the cleat hanging out over the hole. 

Step 5 – Secure Patch to the Cleats 

Press the patch into the hole and secure to the wood cleats with drywall screws. 

Step 6 – Fill in Joints and Screw Holes

Spread a thin layer of drywall compound over the cracks between the patch and the ceiling with a utility knife. Also spread compound over the screw holes to fill them in. 

Step 6 – Apply Drywall Tape

Cut out 4 pieces of drywall tape to go over the filled joints. Cut precise lengths and widths so that the tape doesn’t overlap. Use a medium sized utility knife to smooth out the tape. Then go over with a smaller joint knife, working out the excess compound towards the outside edges of the tape. Go over again with the larger knife, pressing with long strokes that go lengthwise, not widthwise. 

Step 7 – Apply More Coats of Compound

Go over the entire square with a layer of drywall compound, using a large utility knife. Allow to dry before adding a couple more coats. Add a slightly thicker layer with each coat until your patch is covered adequately. Smooth with a large knife repeatedly and often, feathering at the edges and starting and finishing from different directions. By the final coat, these layers of compound should be larger than the original drywall patch.

Step 8 – Sand before Priming and Painting

Finally, sand lightly before and after applying the final coat of compound.

Your cleanly patched, smooth wall is now ready for priming and painting!