LFTHQ

How to Patch a Small Hole in Drywall

For adults · About 5 minute read · By Laith Sad

A hand rolling off-white paint over a patched section of a gray wall.

A hole in a wall looks like a big job, but small drywall repairs are among the easiest fixes a beginner can learn. A little patience matters more than special skill.

Check what you are dealing with

Size decides the method:

  • Nail, screw, and small anchor holes: filled with lightweight spackle.
  • Dents and holes up to a few inches across (for example, from a doorknob): a self-adhesive mesh patch plus joint compound.
  • Bigger holes need a cut-in drywall patch with backing. That is a bigger job, and a handyperson can do it quickly.

Also look at the wall around the hole. If the drywall is damp, stained, soft, or moldy, the hole is a sign of another problem. Fixing the surface will not solve it.

What you need

  • Lightweight spackle or all-purpose joint compound
  • A putty knife, about 4 to 6 inches wide for most repairs
  • A self-adhesive mesh drywall patch (for holes larger than a nail hole)
  • A fine sanding sponge or fine-grit sandpaper
  • Primer, and paint that matches the wall
  • A damp cloth and a dust mask

Nail and screw holes

  1. Clean the hole. Brush away loose bits and press down any raised edge.
  2. Fill it. Press spackle into the hole with the putty knife and scrape across so it sits very slightly above the wall. It usually shrinks as it dries.
  3. Let it dry for the time on the label. Deeper fills take longer.
  4. Sand lightly until the patch is flush with the wall. Wear a dust mask, then wipe the dust off with a damp cloth.
  5. Add a second thin coat if you still see a dip, and sand again.

Holes up to a few inches wide

  1. Trim loose edges. Remove any crumbling paper and gypsum so the edges are firm.
  2. Center the mesh patch over the hole and press it flat against the wall.
  3. Cover it with a thin coat of joint compound, pressing it into the mesh and spreading it a few inches past the patch edges.
  4. Let it dry, then add one or two more thin coats, each a little wider than the last. Wide, thin coats blend better than one thick one.
  5. Sand smooth after the final coat dries. Run your hand over the area. If you can feel the patch, sand or add another thin coat.

Prime and paint

Do not skip primer. Spackle and joint compound soak up paint differently from the wall, and unprimed patches often show through as dull spots. Apply primer over the patch, let it dry, then paint. If the wall color has faded, painting the whole section from corner to corner usually looks better than dabbing a small spot.

When to call a pro

  • The hole is larger than your hand, or the wall has a large cracked or crumbled area.
  • There is water damage, a stain that keeps coming back, or visible mold.
  • A crack keeps reappearing after you repair it, or a ceiling is sagging.
  • Older homes: homes built before 1978 may have lead paint, and some older wall and ceiling materials can contain asbestos. Do not dry sand or cut into old paint or textured ceilings if you are unsure. Get them tested or ask a qualified professional first.

A note for renters

Many leases have rules about wall repairs and touch-up paint. Check yours before you patch and paint, and ask your landlord if you need to match a specific color.

This article is general home-maintenance information, not professional advice. Rules, codes, and conditions vary, so follow the instructions that come with your parts and tools, and use your judgment about your own skills. If you are not sure it is safe, stop and call a qualified professional.