how to repair drywall around electrical outlet?
#1
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how to repair drywall around electrical outlet?
I have an electrical outlet where they cut the hole in the drywall too large; especially on the top and bottom. The faceplate isn't large enough to cover the hole (I suppose I could find one that would be large enough).
How do I go about repairing this? Typically with repairs, you are patching a hole, so you have some support on all sides. In this case, I only have support on 2 sides at most.
I suppose I could cut out a larger area and then patch it up, but I would like to keep it to smaller job if possible.
Thanks.
How do I go about repairing this? Typically with repairs, you are patching a hole, so you have some support on all sides. In this case, I only have support on 2 sides at most.
I suppose I could cut out a larger area and then patch it up, but I would like to keep it to smaller job if possible.
Thanks.
#2
I would just pull the cover off the outlet and start filling it with mud. It might take a few coats since the first coat would likely just be a base/filler to get you started, then finish up with a final skim coat, sand smooth, touch up texture, pain and your done.
#3
You can put in some backing, just some like 1"x boards in short lengths, stick them thru the hole and hold againt the back of the existing drywall & attach with screws so they overhang the hole and give something to attach a small piece of scrap drywall to. IHI suggestios will also work, although I'd recommend using quick set mud if you opt for this solution. However if the gap is pretty small, I'd just check out the local hardware store or home center for an oversized cover plate. HTH
#4
I was gonna add last night that this happens quite frequently in remodels and new construct when the guys are hanging, and the old moto is " I know a good mud guy" LOL. They do make oversize wall plates if the hole is slightly larger than the box and a standard plate will cover, but if gap is larger stick with advise you've gotten here and you'll be fine.
I'd also recommend hot mud, less shrinkage, stronger IMO than standard bucket/box mud. I always keep a bag of 5 minute mud handy for quick little repairs such as this or if I'm waay out of town and need to get a drywall patch, mud, texture done in half a day. Just DON'T mix the hot mud with warm or hot water-it'll set-up before your 1/2 way done mixing LOL.
I'd also recommend hot mud, less shrinkage, stronger IMO than standard bucket/box mud. I always keep a bag of 5 minute mud handy for quick little repairs such as this or if I'm waay out of town and need to get a drywall patch, mud, texture done in half a day. Just DON'T mix the hot mud with warm or hot water-it'll set-up before your 1/2 way done mixing LOL.