How to Patch a Window Screen In 10 Minutes

Has a tear appeared on your window screen? Provided it isn’t too large and hasn’t pulled the mesh out of the frame, then you can still salvage the situation by patching the screen. There is no reason why you must spend a huge amount of time (and money) on a full replacement.

Instead, if you can fix the window as soon as you first notice the tear on its screen, you can not only repair the window but also prevent the formation of new holes. All you have to do, then, is be vigilant, and you can save not only the window but also your money.

Here are three ways to patch a window screen:

#1 Way: Using a Nail Polish to fix Window Screen

Follow these steps to patch the window screen using nail polish:

Step 1:

Gather the following supplies as you’re going to need them in the upcoming steps:

• Clear nail polish (if the window isn’t tinted)
• Dark nail polish (if it is)
• Blow dryer
• Old newspaper

Step 2:

Apply a small amount of nail polish on the room-side of your window. Then go outside and apply the polish on the other side. Make sure that as you’re applying the polish, it isn’t dripping on the ground. However, if you’re worried about the drip-drip, place a newspaper over the area in which you’re applying the nail polish to the screen.

Step 3:

You can go about this step in two ways. If you have some free time at your disposal, you must give the polish at least 10 minutes to air-dry. Conversely, if you’re running out of time, you can use an air/hairdryer for the same.

Provided you’re going to use the hairdryer, you must take a few necessary precautions. Apart from using it on its cool setting, make sure that the distance between the dryer and the window is not less than 6 inches (15 cm). Also, don’t blast for more than one minute.

#2 Way: Darning the Window Screen

In case you’re wondering, darning is the process using which you mend a hole in a knitted material by interweaving the yarn. Provided the tear in the screen is too large to be patched using nail polish, we can darn the screen and cover the hole.

Step 1:

Gather the following supplies:

• Needle
• Strong thread
• A pair of scissors or razor blade
• Measuring tape
• Transparent, waterproof silicone glue

Step 2:

This step involves prepping the screen for darning. Take out a few strands from the screen’s perimeter as you’re going to use them as your thread in the upcoming steps. That’s because, in cases where the tear is significant, you’d need to stitch a piece of scrap over the torn area to sew the screen.

Step 3:

Using a measuring tape, divide the screen into two halves. Line up the edges of the strand you took from the screen in the previous step, tie it together, and sew. Make sure that once you’ve stitched, at least ½’’ of seam allowance is remaining.

Step 4:

Since you’ve lined up the torn edges in the previous step, put a strong thread through the needle before using the needle to sew through the screen strands. You’d ideally want to make sure all the stitches are small as well as identical. Continue to sew until you cannot see the hole.

Tip: To correctly patch the hole, start by sewing the torn edges. Afterward, if you are still able to see the hole, stitch around its perimeter after placing a patch of strands over its top.

#3 Way: Patching holes on Window Screen

Here’s the last method using which you can patch your window screen:

Step 1:

Gather the following tools:

• Knife
• Measuring tape
• Scale

Step 2:

Cut a rectangular hole around the tear using a sharp knife or a straightedge. Apart from being clean, the hole should be as small as possible (or else it would become difficult to manage). To be on the safe side, leave a ½’’ to 1’’ allowance of screen between the hole and the window frame.

Step 3:

Measure the hole you’ve cut in the previous step. Then cut a piece of patch screen whose size is larger than that of the hole. The patch should, at least, be 2.5 cm (1 inch) larger than the rectangular hole.

Step 4:

Loosen the perimeter around the hole to make it more receptive to the patch. Then loosen the edges of the piece as well. Afterward, place the patch on top of the rectangular hole, and bend the strands on its ends with those of the hole at a 90-degree angle. Keep on twisting the stray ends until you’re sure that the patch has achieved a snug fit.

Hint: Finding this step too challenging to execute? Then simply purchase an ‘adhesive packed patch’ and press it over the damaged area.

Step 5:

Attach the patch to the screen by applying clear, waterproof silicone glue. To keep the repair smooth and prevent any drips, wipe off the excess glue using a microfiber cloth.