How do I repair a small area of scratched drywall?
by
Linda Thomas
+2
My cat has scratched a tiny area of drywall in my livingroom. Is there an inexpensive and easy way to repair or patch it?
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Linda: you can buy a small container of wall spackle (you may need to sand a bit) and then paint. PS -- get a scratching post for the kitty!!
Yes. Cat scratches are easy.
Buy a sanding block with the sand paper on it- fine & medium grit combo.
buy a small tub of drywall compound, pre-mixed, plastic spatula at least 4” wide.
1 gallon primer & 1 gallon paint, quarts are proportionally very high $, if you really need just a tiny bit of primer & paint.
Roller cover & roller.
tape a drop cloth under the work area.
Then sand any scratched-up drywall paper that’s really sticking out, or trim it with a sharp Exacto blade. This is because that brown paper face will “bleed” through the spackling compound. Wipe off the dust with a clean rag or shop vac it clean.
If the exposed drywall paper is a lot, I’d prime it before applying the spackling compound and let dry. If not, apply the spackling with the plastic putty knife. Take your time, to make it very smooth, as sanding it is messy & tedious.
When dry, sand it & then wipe up or vac all the dust, all of it. Then prime it.
Look at it sideways and with a light on it to see what needs to be touched up. Apply more sparkling and then sand again, if necessary.,
Clean again & then prime again, feathering the edges.
paint two full coats, full drying in between.
Note: the cat will have to have a reason to stop scratching this area, as it’s scent glands in its feet have left their “marks”. Maybe wash that wall with a Lysol or Pine Sol type cleaner before starting this project?
Ling Term: Get or make the cat a scratching post? Declawed?
I have several scratching posts besides a cat tree that has many posts. They use them. It was my fault as I was playing with the laser and accidentally shined it on the wall. Time to trim their claws. Thanks for your instructions. My cats are very curious as all are so this job will be a challenge.Wish me luck.😕
Try getting sample jars of paint with primer if it is a small spot. Usually under $5