How do I repair a hole in drywall with a mesh patch?

Unless the mesh patch has a metal backing, it will have a tendency to bulge out. This way, you can't get it flat corresponding to the rest of the ceiling without showing the mesh. You can start over with a metal-backed patch, or you can flare out the joint compound/spackling until the 'hill' you've created blends in with the rest of the ceiling. Then re-apply texture. If your ceiling has an orange peel texture, you can get a small spray can to apply such texture. If the texture is a skip-trowel, you can put a thind bead of mud along the outer edge of your broadknife and drag it across the area. Also, I have found mesh patches to work better if you at first stuff some crumpled-up newspaper in the hole and smear some mud on it, THEN apply the mesh patch.  more