Originally Posted by JR
Actually, there is a way easier way to do than all that work illustrated above. Cut out the damaged area in a square or rectangle, whatever. Cut a chunk of drywall that is 1 1/2" bigger all around than the hole. If the hole is 4X4 then the piece you cut to patch with should be 7X7. Turn the drywall over so you are looking at the backside and mark the size of the hole you cut in the wall on the back side minus an eight of an inch and score the paper from the back. Snap the drywall on the four lines you created. Peel the drywall off the face paper from the back. You should end up with a 4X4 patch of drywall with a 1 1/2" taping flange around the outside. Mud the hole liberally both on the flat face surface and the inside edge of the 1/2" surface. Mash the patch over it. Trowel off excess mud and topcoat. Allow to dry completely. Recoat. Sand. Works like a hot damn and no backing or screws to worry about.