Here's a fast fix for a common goof.
Time A day
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$10 to $30
Introduction
An oversized drywall cutout around an electrical box can ruin the appearance of an otherwise perfect taping job. The best way to fix it is with drywall compound and joint tape.
Permanent Repair
If you’re doing your own drywall and electrical work, some mistakes are easy to make. Maybe you measured wrong. Or maybe you just got a little carried away while cutting.
Whatever the issue, now you have to find a way to fix an electrical box cutout that’s too big. If you don’t, you’ll leave the outlets unprotected.
Sure, you can cover your mistake with jumbo electrical covers. But that doesn’t look very nice, especially compared to other boxes nearby. Fortunately, it’s not hard to fix this the right way and have your outlets look polished. Try this simple tip and no one will be the wiser.
Tools Required
- Dust mask
- Taping knife
- Utility knife
Materials Required
- Lightweight joint compound
- Medium grit sanding sponge
- Paper joint tape
- Setting-type joint compound
Project step-by-step (3)
Step 1
Fill with setting-type compound
First, bevel the edge of the drywall with a utility knife. Then fill in the gap with fast-setting joint compound.
Step 2
Mud and tape
Spread the fast-setting compound into the gap and surrounding area and embed the tape right up to the edge of the electrical box. Let it set up and apply the final two coats of lightweight compound. Once it’s set, sand the area with a medium-grit sanding sponge.
Step 3
Repaint the repaired part of the wall
Once you’ve finished sanding, repaint the repaired part of the wall and you’re done!
You might have made a common mistake, but it’s an easy enough fix, and no one will tell that the electrical box cutout was too big. And you didn’t have to spring for extra outlet covers.
