Asked on Jun 11, 2014

Drywall Repair Question

Jen
by Jen
I have a question about drywall repair. The ceramic tile, that I removed, was glued directly onto the drywall. During the process of removing, the drywall was damaged. The brown paper has been exposed; chunks of drywall is exposed; and there are even holes in the wall. I am unable to remove the countertop and cabinets (I've tried) so I can cut out the drywall and replace it with new drywall. How do I repair the damage properly? Can I still cut the drywall out, replace it with new drywall, tape it, then joint compound it? If so, how do I seal the new drywall where the new drywall meets the countertop? (I hope that makes sense.) Any assistance would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!
  19 answers
  • Z Z on Jun 12, 2014
    First question would be, what are you going to replace the old tile with to protect that area of the wall?
  • Jen Jen on Jun 12, 2014
    Thank you Becky for your response! I would like to put a new backsplash up, but I am not going to do it right away. I want to make that decision after I choose the bathroom tile floor. The tile placement is the same throughout the house in all baths and even in the kitchen. I have removed the kitchen tile too, but did not correctly repair it, but I'm planning on working on that in the near future. I was hoping that I could move the countertop out a bit, so I could repair the wall properly, but the countertop is stapled/pinned to the cabinet (no visible screws) underneath the laminate and the cabinet is secured to the floor. Really stumped on how to fix this properly.
    • See 2 previous
    • Z Z on Jun 13, 2014
      @You're welcome, Mary.I just let my fingers do the walking, though to Google and not the yellow pages. :^D
  • Jen Jen on Jun 12, 2014
    @Z Thank you for the video! It's pretty easy. I guess the other question I have is how do I joint compound near the edge of the countertop, especially since I will not be applying a new backsplash yet? Will recaulking the countertop where it meets the wall seal that edge?
    • See 2 previous
    • Z Z on Jun 13, 2014
      @I'm so happy my info and links helped you too Jeni.
  • Jen Jen on Jun 12, 2014
    Awesome! Thank you so much for your help @Z ! It's my kiddos bathroom, so I better start looking for sure.
    • Z Z on Jun 12, 2014
      @Jen, oh yeah, kids can be very messy when it comes to water. LOL
  • Scottie Vosburgh Scottie Vosburgh on Jun 13, 2014
    I have nothing to add, lol. Becky's answers are the total package. :) There are some great tiles that look like tin but are plastic and super easy to install. I used to have them in my kitchen and they are great for kids bathrooms because they are nearly indestructible. I think I bought them at Home Depot.
  • My Crappy House My Crappy House on Jun 13, 2014
    You got your answer, but maybe put up some sort of plastic to keep the area dry while you decide what tile you want. It won't look pretty, but I bet you could cut strips from a tarp and duct tape them in place. JUST FOR NOW! lol
  • Z Z on Jun 13, 2014
    It's a good idea to cover the area with plastic, but I'd use painters tape. Duct tape, though wonderful for many uses, could damage the wall when removed.
  • Dee Dee on Jun 13, 2014
    Buy some cheap vinyl peal and stick tiles. Cut to the widthyou need. This way the dry wall will be covered and protected until youpurchase the real tiles you want.
  • Diane Arnold Diane Arnold on Jun 13, 2014
    If you are replacing any sheet rock behind your sinks I would recommend using greenboard. It's made especially for that purpose to help prevent mildew. Good luck!
  • Swi345722 Swi345722 on Jun 13, 2014
    How do I view the video. ..
    • See 1 previous
    • Z Z on Jun 13, 2014
      @Swil, click the three blue dots at the end of my second comment. Once you do that, you'll see the rest of my comment and the link. Click the link and it will open the video.
  • Jen Jen on Jun 13, 2014
    Thank you everyone for your response! I guess the next question that just came to my mind is what type of drywall do I use? I purchased the regular gypsum drywall board 2 ft x 2 ft Patching panel they sell at Home Depot, but now I'm wondering if that is not the right type of drywall to use since it is in the bathroom and is humid when the kiddos take a shower. There are negative reviews for using greenboard. So, should I use a moisture resistant and mold resistant drywall, such as Ultralight mold tough drywall (HomeDepot sells it)? I just want to make sure I use the correct drywall before I tackle this project. Thank you in advance!
    • See 2 previous
    • Anna Anna on Jun 21, 2014
      @Jen Regular drywall is fine to use behind the new tile. It won't be in contact with water. Be sure to prime (seal) the drywall before you start your tile project.
  • Jen Jen on Jun 13, 2014
    Thank you @Becky for your response and the site you shared! I am going to try to work on repairing everything this weekend, but I want to make sure I do it right. 👍😊
  • Kerry Jones Kerry Jones on Jun 13, 2014
    As for cabinets see if they are screwed (anchored) to studs an the floor
  • Swi345722 Swi345722 on Jun 14, 2014
    Thanks for the video !!!
  • Mario Lozano Mario Lozano on Jun 16, 2014
    Its pretty simple my freind first thing you want to do is cut out as strait as possible a square now that its open you want to put 2 prices of wood strips 1x1or 1x2 also they sell clips for pacthing as well , ok now that you have youre wood backing make sure they pass both ends at 1"1/2 so when you screw in youre wood it will be strong and not break when you put youre pacth ,now cut a pice of dry wall screw it down one its firm get youre blade and just cut at a 45° just a little all around this makes a good bond ,now mesh tape it. Then i recommend u use 20 minute hot mud it will allow you working time us Drywall finishers will use 5 mint hot mu,ok once its all coted give it 25 mints depending on weather then get a sponge and feather out all edges and smooth it out as carefull as possible the give it a second coat let it dry then sand it or wet sponge sand youre done
  • Matina V Matina V on Jun 16, 2014
    I have drywall that looks like this where I took down a backsplash but I was going to tile right over it. Should I repair the drywall paper/mud first or is it ok to just go over it? There are no major dents, holes or gauges in it.
    • See 3 previous
    • Anna Anna on Jun 21, 2014
      @Matina V You need a flat surface to make your tile adhere correctly. Replace that chunk of drywall.
  • Jen Jen on Jun 16, 2014
    Thank you for your response Mario! That is what I will be doing to repair the hole and the parts where the drywall cement is showing. I'm looking forward to the challenge for sure.
  • Hazel Adams Hazel Adams on Apr 13, 2016
    I think that you should add new drywall re-caulk it and then sand it down. That seems to help whenever there is a hole in the wall. I think that it is important to be able to add drywall to your holes. http://mikesdrywallservice.com/services.htm
  • Nellie Meyer Nellie Meyer on Aug 04, 2016
    Vidio on repair drywall