How to Repair Holes in Drywall

If you have a hole in your drywall, you may be frustrated at the cost and difficulty of repairing it. But don’t worry! Repairing holes in drywall is actually really simple if you have the right materials. Use spackling paste to fill tiny nail holes, small holes, and dents. Drive a nail or screw pop into the drywall, then cover them with joint compound to conceal them. For larger holes, you can create a patch from scrap drywall to cut to shape to fit into the hole in your drywall. Once you’ve repaired the hole, paint over it to blend it into the surrounding wall and it’ll look good as new!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Filling Holes from Nails

1. Pull the nail out gently with your fingers. If the nail is still in the wall, try to remove it as gently as possible so you can leave a smaller hole. Use your fingertips to wiggle the nail slightly, then pull it straight out of the wall.
   
   • Don’t use a hammer to pry the nail out unless it’s absolutely necessary or you could dent or crack the surrounding drywall.^[1]
2. Apply spackle over the hole with a putty knife. Place a small dab of spackling paste on the end of your putty knife. Scrape the end of the knife gently over the hole to spread a thin layer over it.^[2]
   
   • Use latex spackling compound for the best finish for nail holes.
   • You can find spackle at your local hardware store or online.
3. Allow the spackle to dry for 1 hour. Before you do anything else, the spackling paste needs to be fully dry. Wait at least an hour and lightly touch the paste with your fingertip to make sure it’s dry.^[3]
   
   • Check the packaging of the spackle for specific drying times.
   • Warm or humid areas may require a longer drying time.
   • If the paste isn’t dry after an hour, wait another hour before you check it again.
4. Sand over the spackle with a sanding sponge. Use a drywall sanding sponge to lightly sand over the hole so there’s an even and smooth surface. Sand in a slow, circular motion for even consistency.^[4]
   
   • Wipe away any dust or dirt with a damp cloth or paper towel.
5. Paint over the hole with the same paint color as the surrounding wall. Use a small paintbrush to apply a layer of paint by lightly dabbing over the hole. Apply a thin layer of paint so the spot isn’t raised or noticeable.^[5]
   
   • You can bring paint chips of the wall paint to a hardware store to find a matching paint color.

[Edit]Covering Nail or Screw Pops

1. Use drywall screws to repair the popped nail or screw. A nail or screw pop is a drywall fastener that becomes exposed, leaving the head of the nail or screw visible. When you repair a nail pop, you need to use small drywall screws so you don’t tear the paper of the drywall or crack it.^[6]
   
   • They also need to be able to be driven deep enough into the drywall that they’re lower than the popped nail or screw.
2. Drill a screw above and below the exposed nail. To prevent the wall from crumbling or cracking when you repair the nail pop, drill a drywall screw above and below it so the drywall is held securely. Screw them in slowly until the head of the screw is just below the surface of the wall.^[7]
   
   • Be careful not to drill too deep or you can crack the drywall or tear the paper coating.
3. Drive the popped nail or screw about into the drywall. To be able to cover up the nail or screw pop effectively, you need to drive it a little bit further into the wall. If it’s a screw pop, use your drill to drive the screw a little bit further into the wall. If it’s a nail pop, use a hammer to tap the nail further into the drywall.^[8]
   
   • Don’t drill too quickly or you could drive the screw too far and will leave a dent when you cover it up.
   • If you’re using a hammer, be careful not to dent or crack the drywall surrounding the nail. Just tap the head of the nail to knock it a little further into the wall.
4. Apply a coat of drywall joint compound over all of the screws. Use a putty knife to scrape a layer of compound over the popped nail or screw, as well as the drywall screws that you drilled into the drywall so that they’re covered in an even layer. Use the edge of the putty knife to smooth out the surface of the compound.^[9]
   
   • There should be enough compound to completely fill in the popped nail or screw.
5. Allow the drywall joint compound to dry for 24 hours. The compound needs to fully dry before you polish it and prepare it for painting. Wait a full day before you continue so the compound has completely dried and hardened.^[10]
   
6. Sand over the compound with a sanding sponge. Take a drywall sanding sponge and rub the surface of the drywall and the joint compound to create a smooth surface that can be painted. Use gently, circular motions to sand the surface.^[11]
   
   • Pay extra attention to the edges of the compound so it isn’t detectable when you paint over it.
7. Prime the patch with a coating of paint primer. Use a paint brush to apply the primer with broad, even strokes. Use enough primer to cover the patch and the area where the wall and the compound meet.^[12]
   
   • It’s okay to have a little bit of primer get on the wall around the repaired nail pop. You’ll just need to paint over it.
8. Paint over the compound to match the surrounding wall. To ensure that the repair isn’t visible, you need to use the same paint color as the wall surrounding the patch you created. Use a clean paint brush to apply enough paint to cover the primer. Allow the paint to dry and add a second coat if it’s necessary.^[13]
   
   • Take paint chips to a local paint supply store to match the colors if you don’t have any of the original paint.

[Edit]Fixing Small Holes with Spackle

1. Remove any loose debris surrounding the dent. Use a putty knife to scrape over the surface of the hole or dent so it’s smooth and clear of any small particles or debris. Run the straight edge of the putty knife over the hole a few times to create a smooth surface for your spackle to adhere to.^[14]
   
   • Make sure there aren’t any edges of chips of paint sticking out from the edges of the hole.
2. Use a hammer to bevel the edges of the hole. Take your hammer and lightly tap around the outer edges of the hole. Tap gently as you move around the hole in 1 direction to create an even slope on the edge of the hole. This will create a slight sloping of the sides, which allows you to fill it in better.^[15]
   
   • Be careful not to hit too hard or you could crack the drywall around the hole.
3. Apply spackle over the hole with a putty knife. Scoop some spackle from the container with your putty knife and scrape it gently over the hole to fill it. Apply as much spackle as you need to fill the hole completely.^[16]
   
   • Use a latex spackle for the best results.
   • Any excess paste can be removed by scraping over the hole with your putty knife.
4. Smooth the spackle with the edge of your putty knife. Make multiple passes in different directions over the spackle to create a smooth surface. This will pull the spackle in every direction so the hole is completely and evenly filled.^[17]
   
   • Keep smoothing over the spackle to remove the excess from the wall around the hole.
5. Allow the spackle to dry overnight. Once you’ve created a smooth layer over the hole, you need to let the spackling paste dry completely before you can paint it. Leave the paste to dry overnight or for at least 8 hours.^[18]
   
   • Check the packaging of the spackling paste for specific drying times.
6. Scrape over the spackle with your putty knife to smooth it out. After the spackle is dry, use your putty knife to scrape the excess from the wall. Take the flat end of the knife and run it up and down over the spackle in different directions to create an even and consistent surface.^[19]
   
   • Be careful not to chip or crack the spackle with the edge of your putty knife.
7. Spray a layer of wall texture over the spackle, then let it dry. In order to match the texture of the surrounding drywall, take a can of wall texture, hold it about away from the wall, and apply a thin layer of the texture. Spray enough to blend the edges of the spackling with the drywall. Let the texture dry as per the package instructions.^[20]
   
   • Adjust the nozzle on the can of wall texture to match the texture of your drywall.
8. Paint over the hole so it blends in with the wall. Use the same color paint as the wall surrounding the hole you filled. Take a clean paintbrush and use up and down strokes to apply an even layer of paint over the hole so the spackling is no longer visible.^[21]
   
   • Use paint chips to match colors if you need to purchase the paint.

[Edit]Patching a Larger Hole with Drywall

1. Measure the hole with a measuring tape. To patch a large hole, first you should measure across the hole horizontally from edge to edge. Then, measure the hole vertically. Make your measurements are exact so you can cut a patch that fits perfectly.^[22]
   
   • Write down your measurements so you can reference them later.
2. Add to your measurements of the hole. Once you’ve measured the hole, you need to measure for the size of the patch. Take your measurements and add to form an even rectangular shape.^[23]
   
   • It’s likely there are broken pieces inside of the drywall. The added space helps to shore up any weaknesses in the drywall.
3. Cut out a rectangular piece of drywall to the size of your measurements. A rectangular shape will make it easier for you to fit the patch into the wall. Use a ruler and pencil to trace your measurements on a spare piece of drywall. Take a handsaw and cut out the shape from the drywall.^[24]
   
   • Use drywall that is the same thickness as your existing wall. If you don’t have any matching drywall, use material that is at least thick.
   • You can purchase small sections of drywall at a home improvement store, or use scrap drywall if you have some lying around.
   • Make sure the edges of the drywall are trimmed and smooth. Use a utility knife if necessary.
4. Trace a pattern around the patch and cut along the lines. Lay the piece of drywall that you cut against the wall over the hole. Take a pencil and trace along the edges of the cutout piece to leave a shape on the existing wall. Then, use the pencil lines as a guide as you press the utility knife into the outer layer of the wall. Maintain steady pressure as you slide the knife along the guidelines.^[25]
   
   • Be careful not to press too hard or you could crack the drywall around your outline and cause further damage.
5. Slice towards the center of the hole from each corner of the outline. Take your utility knife and start at the corner of your outline. Cut towards the center of the hole in a straight line. Then, repeat the process with the rest of the corners. Cut all the way through the drywall.^[26]
   
   • You may need to make several passes with your utility knife to penetrate through the drywall.
   • Watch out for any wires or pipes behind the drywall.
6. Remove the pieces of drywall and trim around the edges of the hole. Grab 1 side, bend it inward and pivot it up to pull it out of the wall. Continue the process until all of the sides have been removed. Take your utility knife and scrape along the edges of the hole to remove any pieces that may be sticking up.^[27]
   
   • Grab the drywall carefully and be sure not to yank or rip it off so you don’t crack the wall around of the hole.
   • The hole you’ve cut out of the drywall must be uniform and smooth in order for you to insert your drywall patch.
7. Place a paint stirrer horizontally between the 2 closest studs. When you’re filling the hole in the wall with your patch, you need a backstop to prevent it from falling through. A wooden paint stirrer is a great tool for you to use. Insert the stir stick into the hole and wedge it between 2 wall studs so it creates a barrier to keep the patch from falling through the hole.^[28]
   
   • You can use another implement, but it needs to be flat so you’re able to insert your drywall patch so it’s flush against the wall.
8. Insert the drywall patch into the hole. Carefully slide the drywall patch that you cut into the slot in the wall. It should fit neatly into the hole.^[29]
   
   • Don’t try to jam or force the patch or you could bend or crack it.
9. Cover the patch with joint compound and allow it to dry overnight. Take a wide putty knife and apply joint compound all over the patch. Use the edge of the putty knife to smooth the compound and create an even layer. Wait overnight or at least 8 hours for the compound to dry.^[30]
   
   • Remove any excess compound by running the edge of the putty knife over the patch.
   • Check the packaging on the joint compound for specific drying times. Some compounds may take longer than others.
10. Sand over the patch to create an even surface. Use a drywall sanding sponge to sand over the patch for a smooth finish. Sand in gentle circular motions and blend the edges where the patch connects to the drywall.^[31]
    
    • Blending the edges of the patch will make it less visible when you paint over it.
11. Apply a layer of spray wall texture over the patch and wait for it to dry. The drywall that you used for the patch may not match the texture of the surrounding wall, which can cause it to stand out when you paint over it. To match the texture, use a can of spray wall texture and apply it over the patch and the edge where the patch meets the wall.^[32]
    
    • Hold the can about away from the wall and apply a thin layer.
    • Check the packaging to see how long the wall texture takes to dry.
    • Adjust the nozzle on the can of wall texture to match the texture of your drywall.
12. Paint over the patch to blend it with the wall. Once the texture has fully dried, use the same paint color as the surrounding wall to paint over it. Use a clean paintbrush to apply the paint with smooth, up and down strokes until the patch is blended with the wall.^[33]
    
    • Take paint chips to a paint supply store to match the paint as closely as you can.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

[Edit]Filling Holes from Nails

• Latex spackling paste
• Putty knife
• Drywall sanding sponge
• Paint primer
• Paint
• Small paintbrush

[Edit]Covering Nail or Screw Pops

• Drill
• 2 drywall screws
• Drywall joint compound
• Putty knife
• Drywall sanding sponge
• Paint primer
• Paint
• Paintbrush

[Edit]Fixing Small Holes with Spackle

• Spackling paste
• Putty knife
• Drywall sanding sponge
• Paint
• Paintbrush

[Edit]Patching a Larger Hole with Drywall

• Drywall to cut a patch
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Utility knife
• Putty knife
• Drywall joint compound
• Drywall sanding sponge
• Paint
• Paintbrush

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Patch A Small Hole In Your Dry Wall
• Paint Sheetrock
• Spot Termite Damage
• Finish Drywall
• Cut Drywall
• Install Drywall
• Tape-and-Mud-Drywall
• Repair Drywall Tape That Is Separating from Your Walls
• Remove Wallpaper from Drywall
• Fix a Hole in a Wall
• Remove Wallpaper with the DIF Method
• Repair Larger Holes in Drywall

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.hometips.com/diy-how-to/nail-hammer-pull.html
2. ↑ https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/moving-out-fix-common-damage/
3. ↑ https://www.unpakt.com/blog/diy-ways-to-fill-nail-holes/
4. ↑ https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/moving-out-fix-common-damage/
5. ↑ https://www.unpakt.com/blog/diy-ways-to-fill-nail-holes/
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/4Pkzfee-xBo?t=111
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/4Pkzfee-xBo?t=93
8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/popped-nails/
9. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/popped-nails/
10. ↑ https://youtu.be/4Pkzfee-xBo?t=208
11. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/popped-nails/
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/4Pkzfee-xBo?t=234
13. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/popped-nails/
14. ↑ https://youtu.be/rSylfgKbl_U?t=12
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/rSylfgKbl_U?t=18
16. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-patch-drywall/
17. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-patch-drywall/
18. ↑ https://youtu.be/rSylfgKbl_U?t=64
19. ↑ https://youtu.be/rSylfgKbl_U?t=66
20. ↑ https://youtu.be/waPlWFIA4J0?t=800
21. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-spackle/
22. ↑ https://youtu.be/lj7YK1lIRUM?t=12
23. ↑ https://youtu.be/lj7YK1lIRUM?t=12
24. ↑ https://youtu.be/lj7YK1lIRUM?t=22
25. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-patch-holes-drywall
26. ↑ https://youtu.be/lj7YK1lIRUM?t=33
27. ↑ https://youtu.be/lj7YK1lIRUM?t=50
28. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-patch-drywall/
29. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-patch-holes-drywall
30. ↑ https://youtu.be/lj7YK1lIRUM?t=104
31. ↑ https://youtu.be/lj7YK1lIRUM?t=104
32. ↑ https://youtu.be/waPlWFIA4J0?t=800
33. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-patch-holes-drywall