What method(s) could/should be used to repair a paper tear in the
surface of gypsum board?

This is not a cracked surface nor a hole in the surface, but is at
corner areas of the hole in the gypsum board made for mounting a
single gang electrical box. Apparently caused by careless removal of
the piece removed when making the hole. It is a surface blemish as in
only the paper covering.

I don't think this needs application of tape and spackle .

My rule on this is - if the outlet cover plate conceals it then I do
not do anything to it but make sure it gets painted. If it does NOT get
concealed then some spackle is required but no tape.

OKay; spackle and not joint compound.

The cover plate does not conceal the blemishes. At the bottom end of
the hole, when viewing at perpendicular/level height there is a
noticeable gap with the cover plate installed.

It is that gap/hole that has me considering using a mesh tape and then
spackle over that. I do have a partial roll of mesh fiber tape here,
left by a previous jobber. Claims to be self adhesive. I tried
wetting it first and placing on a test surface area, but it did not
stick at all.

I saw something called Lite Spackle at the HD that I almost brought
home. I do have a tube of "painter's nail hole filler" from HD (made
by Eclectic Products, Inc.). Wondering if that would adhere
sufficiently ?

On 25 Dec 2005 11:27:55 -0800, wrote:

My rule on this is - if the outlet cover plate conceals it then I do
not do anything to it but make sure it gets painted. If it does NOT get
concealed then some spackle is required but no tape.

Vince wrote:
OKay; spackle and not joint compound.

The cover plate does not conceal the blemishes. At the bottom end of
the hole, when viewing at perpendicular/level height there is a
noticeable gap with the cover plate installed.

It is that gap/hole that has me considering using a mesh tape and then
spackle over that. I do have a partial roll of mesh fiber tape here,
left by a previous jobber. Claims to be self adhesive. I tried
wetting it first and placing on a test surface area, but it did not
stick at all.

I saw something called Lite Spackle at the HD that I almost brought
home. I do have a tube of "painter's nail hole filler" from HD (made
by Eclectic Products, Inc.). Wondering if that would adhere
sufficiently ?

On 25 Dec 2005 11:27:55 -0800, wrote:

My rule on this is - if the outlet cover plate conceals it then I do
not do anything to it but make sure it gets painted. If it does NOT get
concealed then some spackle is required but no tape.

Do not use the mesh tape. It will be very difficult to cover on a flat
surface. A piece of paper tape and a few quick coats of mud is all
that is needed. If there is a 'gap' the tape will be needed. It can
be filled with mud minus tape but tain't worth the fooling around.

Harry K

Harry K