Replies

1. 
   mgmahan | Sep 08, 2020 10:49am | #1

   You can easily tape over those.

1. 
   GeoffPritchard | Sep 08, 2020 05:02pm | #3

   How would I tape over them? I tried using setting compound w/ mesh tape but it didn't want to stay put.

1. 
   andy_engel | Sep 09, 2020 07:22am | #5

   Wait for some setting compound to be close to setting up, then squish (that's a technical term) into the open areas up to the level of the drywall. Once the compound sets, sand it level and tape over it normally.

2. 
   unclemike42 | Sep 08, 2020 11:08am | #2

   https://www.amazon.com/STRAIT-FLEX-INTERNATIONAL-PP-2PK-Drywall/dp/B000LNKNZI/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw19z6BRAYEiwAmo64LSlcakFJEDtRht-A9gbQdwzy225HyIc5r6w1yZ3iBQlTQVd6rbFYdxoC_6MQAvD_BwE&hvadid=410071983980&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9008154&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=8014847830630976956&hvtargid=kwd-761022473918&hydadcr=8433_11337195&keywords=strait-flex+patch&qid=1599577487&sr=8-3&tag=googhydr-20

   https://www.usg.com/content/usgcom/en_CA_east/products/walls/drywall/patching-repair/strait-flex-perma-patch.html

   Paper tape will work with a little effort, but they make a bigger patch that you can cut to fit the box and apply at once.

   more expensive than paper tape, but might save some work.

3. 
   fsmyles | Sep 08, 2020 09:15pm | #4

   A. Fill voids with expanding foam (Great Stuff). Next day, cut the foam flush with the drywall and tape as usual.

   B. Use setting type joint compound (DuraBond by USG). Apply the DuraBond with a 1" or 2" knife, without any paper or fiberglass mesh. Press it against the sides of the void so it also wraps/ keys onto the backside of the drywall. This might require 2 coats just to do the initial fill. Then fiberglass tape as normal.

   Frankie

1. 
   andy_engel | Sep 09, 2020 07:23am | #6

   Oooh! I like the foam option.

2. 
   jlyda | Sep 09, 2020 09:31am | #8

   I’ve done it this way for years. Works great! The trick is to use a very sharp knife to make a clean flush cut on the foam after it has cured. If you have a rough face on foam it will not finish well.

4. 
   sawdust_steve | Sep 09, 2020 08:00am | #7

   Try a product like Durabond 20 (or even plaster of paris) it only has a 15 minute working time and will set up quickly and wont fall out. It's good practice to moisten the area first.

   Apply it without tape and then sand flush once it's set. When it's dry tape or mesh over the patch and you'll be good to go.

5. 
   GeoffPritchard | Sep 09, 2020 10:03am | #9

   Thanks for all the replies. As usual, this place is awesome. I'll let you know what I end up doing.

6. 
   firedudec56 | Sep 09, 2020 11:13pm | #10

   can you pull out the boxes? easier to do the patching with the boxes out of the way - you could cut some pieces of drywall to fill in and then patch as detailed above w/ durabond or plaster-let it set and recut carefully w/a new blade in a razor knife or file/sand to fit
   boxes look like the type w/the metal frame that clamps down so you could "unscrew" the clamp, pull out the box, retrieve the clamp, make the repair, put the boxes back together and re-install
   good luck