wrote in message
oups.com...
hello, we're trying to put up a closet system and had to tear down the
previous shelves. they were mounted atop horizontal 2x4's that were
nailed into the wall at the studs and the whole closet painted. well,
in pulling off the 2x4's, it ripped the top paper sheet (or is it
paint) of the drywall. what's the best way to repair these surface
tears? they go all the way around the walkin. of course, we'll plan
to repaint.
You don't replace the paper you just plaster over it with a very broad
sheetrock joint knife or a 12 inch straight-edged bladed trowel thingy they
sell for doing large joints. Looks like a sheetmetal ruler.
I've used spackle for small jobs. Regular sheetrock joint compound will
also work, but you may have to buy a lot of it. First bevel-trim torn paper
edges with a really sharp utility knife or razor blade, so the edges lay
flat and won't pop up as you wipe on the spackle. Also, dampen the surface
just before plastering, as dry sheetrock will suck the moisture from the
spackle, causing uneven drying or poor adhesion. It may take several
applications, with some sanding in between coats.