Suffering From A Depression?

Not depression, a depression in your plaster or drywall. If you're like most of us, chances are that's the least of you walls' worries. No one really teaches us to hang things properly so when we least expect it, CRASH, something sliding down to its demise! Or maybe you wish you had replaced that doorstop a little sooner? Have a tantrum-throwing teenager in the house?
Wall nicks can be among the most annoying on your home's fix-it list. But it's not difficult to take matters into your own hands, no matter how large the culprit. But let's start back at the depression:

If it hasn't broken through the paper skin, sand it slightly and apply some joint compound with a drywall or putty knife. It will be easier to get flat if the knife is wider than the depression. To get it as smooth as possible, work with an "X" motion. Let it dry completely and then sand again. You may need to apply a second coat if the depression is deep, but spread it on too thick and cracking is imminent. Paint with primer and finish - the secret will be all yours.
If it progressed to a crack, again, simply sand the area around it and lavish joint compound into the crack. Similarly, get it as smooth as you can by using a knife wider than the affected area. If your crack is larger than 1/8", put drywall tape on the compound and use your knife to draw it flat down the tape to make sure it's sticking well. After it dries, apply another coat of joint compound over the tape, let it dry, sand and finish.

With holes that are at least an inch wide, start by cleaning out any loose material. Put joint compound in the hole and on its edge to about an inch. Make an "X" over it with joint tape, holding it onto the wall. After it's dry, put another coat of joint compound over the whole area. Dry, sand, third coat, then dry, sand and finish. For holes up to 4-inches in diameter, you can buy adhesive patches that work under the same principle.

With those gaping holes, you'll need a drywall saw to cut a rectangle just bigger than the hole. Cut 1"x 2" wood strips about 4 inches longer than the now-rectangular hole. Put the strips behind the wall, leaving 2" to extend beyond the edge of the hole and with two drywall screws, attach the wood strips to the wall. (This is what you will attach the drywall patch too.) Next, cut a piece of drywall the same size as the hole and using drywall screws, attach to the wood strips. Put joint compound on the seams, press on drywall tape and let it dry. Apply another layer of joint compound, dry, sand and finish. Voila!

Now you can start patching with confidence... And don't forget to pick up that doorstop today!