If you have an old electrical box in your ceiling that you no longer use, you probably want to patch the area to hide the box. This is a simple project for any homeowner and does not require any knowledge about drywall. A mesh patch kit works well for this project. Purchase one of these kits from your local hardware store.
Instructions
1. Turn off power to the electrical box from the power supply source. Set up a ladder underneath the electrical box. Use a circuit tester to ensure that no power is being supplied to the electrical wires.
2. Back out the screws securing the light fixture or electrical outlet to the electrical box. Remove the wire nuts that secure the electrical wires' connection. Locate where the wiring for the electrical box starts. Pull the wires back to their starting point and disconnect them. Throw the wires away.
3. Wipe the ceiling surrounding the electrical box with a damp paper towel to clean off all the dust and dirt. Allow the area to completely dry.
4. Test the mesh patch over the hole. You need to use a patch that extends at least one inch past the hole on all four sides. Peel the paper backing off the mesh patch. Center the patch over the hole and press it onto the ceiling.
5. Scoop up some drywall compound with a 4-inch putty knife. Spread the compound over the mesh patch and two to three inches beyond it. Aim to make the compound as smooth and even as possible. Wait two to three hours for the compound to dry.
6. Repeat Step 5 to apply a second layer of joint compound over the first layer. Allow the second layer to dry. Use a sanding sponge to smooth any ridges out of the compound and to blend the into the surrounding ceiling.
7. Prime the patched area with an interior latex primer. Wait about one hour for the primer to dry before you paint the patched area to match the surrounding ceiling.
Tags: mesh patch, patched area, compound over, electrical wires, over hole, patch over