Hey everyone! I've recently moved into a new house and I've noticed that many of the cutouts for light switches and vents in the drywall are quite a bit larger than they should be. This means that the plates for the light switches don't cover the holes completely and there are visible gaps around some of the vents even when the covers are on.
I'm comfortable doing DIY projects and I can manage to patch regular holes in drywall without a hitch. However, I'm a bit stumped on how to cleanly patch or 'shrink' these larger openings. I want to make it look neat without it being obvious when I paint over it or put the covers back on. Would using mesh tape and joint compound be the right approach? I'd really appreciate any advice from those who have dealt with this kind of issue before!
3 Answers
If you decide to patch instead of using oversized plates, a good choice is hot mud like Easy Sand 5 or 20. It's stronger than regular joint compound and won't shrink as it dries, which means you can apply a second coat quicker. Just be cautious with the drying time and how you’re applying it.
It really depends on how big the gaps are. For smaller ones, you can use paintable caulk or oversized cover plates. If they're a bit bigger, go for the hot mud. And if it's a larger issue, you'll definitely want to use tape and mud. Plus, I really recommend those screwless faceplates for a cleaner look.
You might want to consider using oversized covers designed specifically for situations like this. They’re often called 'Jumbo' plates and are perfect for covering up those gaps. They aren't a huge size difference, but they work well! Just check your local home improvement store for them.