Did I make a mistake getting 1/2' drywall for patch?

13 years ago

I've never done this before, but I got tired of waiting for DH to fix a wall in LR wall that had been previously "patched" in 1976! (we just inherited the house 2 yrs ago). So I watched a couple drywall videos on youtube & cut out my hole stud to stud. The piece I took out measured 1/2" (I was so positive) but when I measured the existing wallboard around the hole, it's definitely 5/8". Unfortunately, I had already purchased the 1/2" sheet. I thought it would be better to be a little recessed rather than bulging out, figured I could cover it with mud. BUT, my DH says the extra 1/8" will be too thick to cover w/mud and I should go back & get the 5/8" sheet instead. I should mention that the finished result will not be painted; instead it's kind of a faux finish wallpaper so it doesn't have to be perfectly seamless. So how difficult will this be, and would it make a difference if we were painting? This same sheet will be used for other repairs around windows which will need more careful finishing.

Thanks everyone; I LOVE this board!

Comments (5)

macv
13 years ago
Use shims on the studs, or keep applying coats of drywall compound (it shrinks a lot so it take a lot of coats), or use Durabond 90, etc.
brickeyee
13 years ago
Just cover it with mud.

It will only take a couple extra coats, less if you use a setting compound with minimum water to limit shrinkage.

Easysand works well, and is more forgiving than Durabond.

Durabond is VERY hard to sand.
kudzu9
13 years ago
I've used 1/2" sheetrock in a 5/8" wall in a pinch and it's worked out just fine. Just make sure you cover the edges of the patch with drywall tape....
dkenny
11 years ago
no..it'll just take more work to get it right..
personally I like using the 20minute power sheetrock mud for small repairs..

it might take 6 coats instead of 3 to get it right..but so..once its smooth..no one will know

-dkenny
brickeyee
11 years ago
A single layer of Easysand mixed about as thick as peanut butter (smooth if you please) will fill in the difference without any discoverable shrinkage.