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While a normal moisture level for drywall is between 5% and 12%, replacement is recommended if you get consistent readings above 17%. At this level, the drywall is likely too compromised by extensive moisture damage to be considered safe. You can replace either the entire sheet or just the affected section. If you are unsure after a visual inspection, it is best to have a contractor or water restoration provider use a professional moisture meter to get an accurate reading.

When used correctly, drywall patch kits can work well. However, there are limitations. Specifically, these kits can only cover holes up to 5 inches in diameter. For anything larger than that, you’ll need to cut out the affected section of drywall and replace it with a new piece. That’s a far more complicated process that involves buying the right type of drywall, finding the wall studs, cutting into your wall, and screwing the replacement drywall in place.

While you can put new drywall over old drywall, it’s not always the best option. In some cases, drywalling over drywall can make it harder to find wires and pipes behind your walls and conceal more serious problems with your walls. It can also make the room smaller. On the plus side, putting drywall over drywall can improve soundproofing and insulation. Plus, it’s often less expensive than tearing down and adding new drywall.

You can put drywall mud over paint to even out the surface or entirely resurface it. Sand the surface with 280-grit sandpaper, vacuum the debris and dust with a shop vac, and clean it with a slightly damp cloth. Allow the surface to dry. Apply drywall primer, especially if you’re skim-coating an entire wall. Apply the right type of drywall mud over the surface and smooth it with a trowel. Allow the layer to cure fully, then sand it before applying another layer or painting it.