Hello again everyone. Very helpful replies from the members of this group indeed. I plan on cutting out a small 3 sided cutout (each side 5") in a wall. The forth side acts as a hinge. I need access to the inside of the drywall and I don't need to remove the entire cutout from the drywall. So please if someone can tell me how to go about sealing this 3 sided cutout with drywall mud/spackle ? Do I follow the same steps if this was a complete cutout replacement ? 1. Apply a liberal amount of mud/spackle on each of the three cutout sides 2. Then apply tape on all 3 sides 3. Then squeeze out the mud/spackle 4. Let dry 5. Apply another coat of mud/spackle 6. Let dry 7. Apply final coat of mud/spackle 8. Let dry 9. Sand 10. Prime 11. Paint

Hello. Would anyone be able to tell me whether a two applications of mud would be sufficient for a small patch job or I need to apply a third coat of mud ? The surface is very smooth and to me it seems fine to apply primer or a coat of paint but that is coming from someone who is a beginner in drywall repair. Also after applying the necessary applications of mud with sanding can I go ahead and paint the surface with paint or is it essential to use primer first before applying paint ? Thanks for the help Victor