How to Repair Water Damaged Drywall so Stains Never Return
In a previous post I wrote about how to repair a water damaged ceiling. In that post I concentrated on when the ceiling is so damaged that you’ll need to cut out and replace a section. You may have had to make a repair to a water pipe or roof, and then make good a whole section of the ceiling.
In this article I’ll explain how to repair water damaged drywall when the damage isn’t so severe. By following the method below, your drywall ceiling will look as good as new and the unsightly water stains will never return.
Check the drywall isn’t about to fall
If the ceiling is sagging, it will probably need replacing. But there could be signs of water damage on your drywall without the need to replace. Blistered paint and loose drywall mud doesn’t mean the ceiling needs ripping out and replacing.
If there is a slight sag, use drywall screws to hold in place. Work from the outside in and take your time.
Scrape away the water damaged drywall
With the ceiling held firm, gently scrape away the damaged drywall mud and blistered or flaking paint with a putty knife. Scrape from the middle outward. When you’ve removed all the loose material, you can seal the area using a base sealer. Apply two coats for comprehensive coverage.
Apply drywall mud and sand smooth
With the damage scraped away and drywall sealed, you’ll have a clean surface to patch with drywall mud. Apply in thin layers and allow each to dry thoroughly before sanding and applying the next coat.
As you make this repair to water damaged drywall, the first coat of drywall will fill hollows and holes. It will bring the repair almost level to the surrounding undamaged drywall.
Apply the second coat to level out and ‘feather in’ to the surrounding drywall.
The third coat that you apply will hide the joins between the repair and the good drywall beyond.
Get a seamless repair
To make your repair seamless, work slowly and precisely with the drywall mud. Use the putty knife to smooth the edges. This way the amount of sanding you’ll need to do between each coat will be reduced.
Paint for a perfect repair to your water damaged drywall
Prime the repaired patch, and then use a high quality paint to finish the repair of your water damaged drywall.
The above method is perfect for making repairs to small patches of water damaged drywall. If your damage is more extensive, then contact us today – we’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will be happy to help.