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There's a Better Way - Fine Homebuilding Reader Quick Tips

California Drywall Patch

By MDFContracting, member
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Cut a piece of drywall a few inches bigger than the hole in each dimension

As a renovator, I often patch small holes in drywall and learned of this method from a great taper I work with.  For round holes, (moving an octagon box) take the pilot bit out of your 4 inch hole saw and stand on the board, guiding the saw with the inside edges of your boots.  Be sure not to go all the way through!  Score the paper the same way, snap and peel, and yer off to the races.

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  1. mikethegreek | Sep 08, 2009 01:03pm | #1

    an old trick. oldie but goodie

  2. tloehr | Sep 08, 2009 08:06pm | #2

    To me, ingenious requires the least amount of effort. It is the simplest solution to what could be a complex problem. In other words, "of course, why didn't I think of that."

  3. xrcyst | Sep 22, 2009 06:40pm | #3

    I love this patch I have been using it for awhile and they almost always blend in perfect. BTW: here we call that a butterfly patch

  4. xrcyst | Sep 22, 2009 06:42pm | #4

    I also score the paper around the hole to match the patch and peel it back before the mud it helps ease the transition some more.

  5. ChuckG | Oct 04, 2009 01:36am | #5

    the part about scoring the paper and peeling it back from around the hole is definitely "Why didn't I think of that!!??"

  6. Dreamcatcher | Oct 12, 2009 06:15am | #6

    California Patch? I've always called that a "Super Patch" and I've successfully used that technique for years. It works great every time.

    Funny how the name game works; seems like you could attach a state name to any common technique and make it sound official. I think California is attached to the most; often when the same technique is common back east.

  7. buildingwithpurpose | Nov 01, 2009 03:29pm | #7

    I have used this technique and I like it for very small patch jobs but I still prefer adding backing for ceiling patches when the weight of the piece of sheetrock used for the patch may allow it to sag. Backing can be simply a strip of plywood slightly longer that the hole and narrow enough to get into the hole. Hold the backing strip tight to the backside of the rock and screw it into the existing rock. Use one piece for each side of the opeing. This process is quick and easy and a bit more sturdy.

  8. jross56922 | Nov 17, 2009 11:05pm | #8

    funny thing while viewing the show "Ask this Old House" Tom showed this trick and called it the "butterfly patch". Not a new tip and known by many. Sorry jr

  9. Bill110643 | Nov 29, 2009 07:19pm | #9

    GONNA HAVE TO TRY IT,BE BACK TO YA!
    Bill10643

  10. seacoast76 | Dec 17, 2009 08:11pm | #10

    Unless the patch is in a really tight area to work, I still personally prefer a backer cleat of strapping and cut a piece of drywall to fit. Just as fast and easy in my book.

    But still a good patch to use now and again though.

  11. huskiedad | Jan 27, 2016 07:56am | #11

    xcryst calls it a butterfly patch, we call it a california hot patch. peeling the paper around the hole is what makes it hot, I use the 2" blade of a framer's square for the width and cutting guide, apply a lot of joint compound to the raw sheetrock. I make the paper from the patch a little less in width to help feather out the joint compound for finishing. I make the drywall filler patch almost a 1/2" less in width so the compound creates a key like the old plaster and lath. Because of the paper no horse hair needed.

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