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Do you have a bunch of nail holes that need filling? Maybe the doorknob accidentally got pushed through the wall? With wall spackling, you can fix most small holes. However, large ones need at least fiberglass mesh to reinforce the wall. In some cases, you might need to replace the drywall. From nail and screw holes to serious drywall damage, we explain how to fix a hole in the wall.
How Do You Fix a Hole in the Wall?
The best way to fix a hole in the wall depends on the size. You can repair wall dings and small holes with wall spackle and a putty knife, but large ones require a mesh patch or even replacing a section of drywall.
You can repair holes in drywall for as little as $5 for some spackling, but it may cost anywhere from $25 to $75 if you need to buy drywall or tools.
For your safety, always wear eye protection when repairing drywall damage. Also, use a dust mask or ventilator when sanding drywall mud.
No matter the size of the hole, here are the basics of drywall repairs.
How To Fix Drywall Dents and Dings
You can easily repair drywall dings and dents using lightweight spackle.
Tools & Supplies:
- Wall Spackling
- 2-Inch Putty Knife
- Sand Paper
3 Simple Steps To Repair Drywall Dings and Dents:
- Sand the dent lightly to remove rough spots and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Apply a lightweight spackle with a putty knife and let it dry overnight.
- Sand the drywall surface until it is smooth.
How To Fill a Small Hole in the Wall
From screw or nail holes up to anything an inch and a half, you can fill wall holes with a coat of spackle or joint compound using a putty knife.
Tools & Supplies:
- Joint Compound or Wall Spackle
- 2-Inch Putty Knife
- Sand Paper
3 Easy Steps To Repair Small Drywall Holes:
- Gently sand the hole to smooth out rough edges, then wipe the area with a damp cloth.
- Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer of compound to the hole and allow it to dry overnight.
- Sand the drywall patch for a smooth surface.
How To Patch a Medium-Sized Hole
You will need to reinforce medium-sized holes between one and a half and five inches with fiberglass mesh tape. Otherwise, the patch will never really set. While you can buy rolls of mesh tape in several widths, self-adhesive mesh patch kits are also available. For doorknob holes, use galvanized-metal patches for added strength. Then cover the patch with joint compound or spackling.
Tools & Supplies:
- Shop Vac
- Drywall Patch or Mesh Tape
- Joint Compound or Wall Spackle
- 4-Inch Putty Knife
- Sand Paper
4 Steps To Fix Wall Holes Up to Five Inches:
- Use a shop vac to clean out the hole and remove loose debris. Then gently sand the edges and wipe the area with a damp cloth.
- For self-sticking patches, cut the patch to match the size of the hole and stick it down. If you are using drywall mesh tape, apply a thin layer of joint compound around the edge of the hole. Then cover the hole with strips of mesh tape and let them dry. Apply the tape in the same direction, just barely overlapping each piece.
- Spread a thin coat of compound across the entire patch, being careful not to use too much pressure. If you used mesh drywall tape, apply another layer of tape in a crisscross pattern for added strength and durability. Feather the spackling out from the patch to get a smooth wall surface and allow it to dry completely.
- Gently sand the patch, making sure to feather it in with the rest of the wall for a smooth finish. If the wall isn’t smooth or there are gaps, holes, or visible edges, apply another layer of spackle. Let the joint compound dry, then sand it smooth.
How To Fix a Large Hole in the Wall
Repairing wall holes larger than five inches involves cutting a new piece of drywall and securing it to the wall studs. Otherwise, the weight of the patch can cause future cracks or it will even fall down while drying.
Tools & Supplies:
- Utility Knife or Drywall Saw
- Shop Vac
- Tape Measure or Ruler
- Piece of Drywall
- Drywall Screws
- Electric Drill
- Drywall Mud or Joint Compound
- Drywall Joint Tape
- 6-Inch Drywall Knife
- Sand Paper
8 Steps To Fix Holes in the Wall Larger Than Five Inches
- Use a sharp utility knife or a drywall saw to square up the hole. Expose at least one wall stud. However, expose two or more studs if the hole is larger than twelve inches.
- Clean the hole with a shop vac to remove loose material and debris. Then sand the edges of the drywall joint and wipe them with a damp cloth.
- Measure the hole, then cut a piece of drywall that is just slightly smaller than the opening. Check that the new piece fits with no more than a quarter of an inch gap on all sides.
- Use drywall screws and attach the new piece to the exposed wall studs. For larger repairs, place screws 12 to 16 inches apart.
- Use the drywall knife to apply a coat of mud around the edges. Then press the drywall tape firmly into the joints to hide the seams. Let the drywall mud dry overnight.
- Sand off any rough spots and wipe clean with a damp cloth. Then apply another coat of compound. If you can still see the seams, apply another layer of paper tape. Allow the wall to dry overnight again.
- Sand away rough spots and wipe with a damp cloth. Apply a final layer of drywall mud, feathering the wall patch into the rest of the wall. Wait for the mud to dry overnight.
- Sand the patch a final time, making sure the wall is completely smooth. If necessary, continue sand and mud until you have a smooth surface.
How To Paint After Repairing Drywall Holes
After repairing your wall, you need to paint the patch to match. You can use a paintbrush for small dings, nail holes, and holes less than two inches. However, a roller will make painting larger holes and blending patches with the rest of the wall much easier.
Make sure you wait at least 48 hours for the drywall patch to dry thoroughly before painting. Paint can crack or peel if the spackling or mud is still wet.
If you still have paint or know what color it is, you can match it easily. However, you might need to paint the entire wall if you can’t match the color.
Tools & Supplies:
- Paint
- Paintbrush or Roller
- Paint Tray
- Painter’s Tape
- Surface Texture (Optional)
6 Steps to Painting After Repairing Holes in a Wall:
- Clean the entire wall with a damp cloth, then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent fuzz.
- Cover door jams, molding, and electrical outlets with painter’s tape.
- Paint the patched area with at least three coats of paint, waiting at least an hour between coats.
- Then feather the paint into the rest of the wall and let it dry overnight.
- If you are using surface texture, apply it as directed
- Check the wall in the morning to see if the color is uniform. You may need to do a full coat on the walls for an even finish.
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