Other Handy Items

Along with the tools in a previous post, you'll also need a few supplies to keep your house in good repair. Like the tools I recommend in another post, these supplies are minimal and inexpensive, yet invaluable.

Spackle

For spackle products, I almost always use DAP Dry Dex Dry-Time Indicator Spackling. I prefer this product for two reasons. First, it goes on pink and slowly turns white as it dries. This eliminates the possibility of sanding while the spackle is too dry, ruining the repair and having to start all over. Second, it's very easy to work with. It goes on smoothly and rarely requires anything more that one or two swipes with sandpaper before it's ready to paint.



When you open the plastic spackle container, you may notice some small bits of darker pink. Don't worry, these are just from inconsistent wetness. Grab something like a paint stir and mix those darker bits into the rest and all will be well. Next, scoop some putty onto your putty knife and apply it to the damaged area of the wall. Use gentle pressure to ensure the putty fills the hole or damaged area. Use the knife to feather the edges of the repair and wait for it to turn white. If the repair is shallow, drying time can be as short as 15 minutes if humidity is low. For deeper repairs in humid conditions, you may need to wait overnight.



You should try to apply any spackle with a putty knife that's wider than the repair itself. It will keep you from having to sand out small ridges which are created between knife passes. If the wall has a heavy texture or you're filling holes made by nails or screws, you can simply dab a small amount of spackle on the hole with your finger. Use latex or similar gloves to do this, however, as the warning label states that the product may be harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Therefore, if you're sanding more than a small amount, I recommend you wet sand to keep dust from being inhaled. Wet sanding also tends to leave a smoother finish.

Cost: $5 to $6

Sanding Sponge

It would be silly to have spackle on hand and not have something to sand it with. Your local hardware store will carry a variety of sanding papers and sponges. I use sponges almost exclusively. They are easier to use, last longer and have multiple grits (smoother and rougher) on each sponge. They also have square edges that are handy for sanding in corners.

You can use sponges either dry or wet. For wet sanding, all you need to do is dip the sponge in water and squeeze out any excess. It doesn't take a lot of water to keep the dust down.

Cost: About $3

Paint and Primer

If you don't have primer and paint to match you walls, don't worry. Your local paint store (or Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.) will be able to supply you with both. Buy the primer you like best. It will be white and should allow the paint to cover it easily.

To match the new paint to your existing walls, you'll need a sample for the store to work with. This means you are going to have to chip some paint from your wall. The store will need a chip at least 1/2" to 3/4" across. If you can get one from the area you're already repairing, good. If not, take one from an area that's not easily visible but still leaves you access to re-paint it.

Take the chip to the paint store and give it to them. They will put it on an analyser that reads its color make-up and can match their paint exactly to yours. Remember, however, that your existing paint has been drying for a while, so if your new paint doesn't match perfectly the next morning, don't fret. As it drys more and more over the coming weeks, any difference in color will disappear.

Cost: Variable depending on retailer and brand