Drywall dents and holes are among the most common home repairs and among the easiest to fix yourself. The method depends on the size of the damage.
Key Takeaways
- Nail holes and small dents need only spackle, a putty knife and light sanding.
- Holes up to a few inches can be covered with a self-adhesive mesh patch and joint compound.
- Larger holes need a new piece of drywall secured to backing.
- Thin coats, feathered edges and primer before paint give the smoothest result.
Tools and materials
- Lightweight spackle or joint compound
- Putty knives, a narrow one and a wider one (6 inches or more)
- Fine sanding sponge or sandpaper
- Self-adhesive mesh patches for medium holes
- Drywall saw, scrap drywall and furring strips for large holes
- Primer and paint
Small holes and dents
- Scrape away loose paper or paint around the hole.
- Press spackle into the hole with a putty knife and scrape it level with the wall.
- Let it dry according to the label.
- Sand lightly until smooth, wipe off the dust, prime and paint.
Lightweight spackle shrinks very little, so one coat is often enough for nail holes.
Medium holes, up to about 4 to 6 inches
- Trim ragged edges.
- Centre a self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole.
- Spread joint compound over the patch with a wide knife, extending a few inches past the edges.
- Let it dry, sand lightly, and apply a second thin coat wider than the first.
- Feather the edges by applying less pressure at the outer edge of the knife.
- Sand, prime and paint.
Large holes
- Draw a square or rectangle around the damaged area and cut it out with a drywall saw. Check for wires and pipes before cutting.
- Screw furring strips or wood backing inside the hole, attached to the existing drywall.
- Cut a piece of drywall to fit and screw it to the backing.
- Apply drywall tape to the seams and cover with joint compound.
- Apply two or three thin coats, sanding between coats and feathering the edges wider each time.
- Prime and paint.
Sanding without the mess
Sand lightly with a fine sanding sponge. Hold a work light at an angle to the wall to reveal ridges and low spots. Wipe dust off with a damp cloth before priming.
Why primer matters
Joint compound absorbs paint differently from painted drywall, which can leave a dull patch, called flashing. A coat of primer evens it out.
Matching texture
If your walls are textured, use a spray texture product or a sponge to mimic the pattern before priming. Practise on cardboard first.
Preventing future holes
Install door stops or wall bumpers behind doors, and use proper wall anchors when hanging heavy items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spackle or joint compound? Spackle is convenient for small holes; joint compound is better for larger repairs and taping.
How long to wait between coats? Follow the product label. Thin coats dry faster than thick ones.
Why does the patch show through the paint? Usually missing primer or a ridge at the edge. Sand, prime and repaint.
The bottom line
Match the method to the hole, apply thin coats, feather the edges and always prime before painting.
