How to Fix Small and Medium Holes in Drywall

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

• Spackling paste or joint compound (drywall mud)
• Fine-grit Sandpaper or fine-grit sanding sponge
• Dust Mask
• Putty knife (aka joint knife, drywall knife)
• 6-inch drywall knife or 12-inch drywall taping knife (for larger repairs)
• Drywall patch or drywall repair patch kit (depending on type of repair)
• Joint tape (aka drywall tape, paper tape, drywall mesh tape)
• Utility knife
• Touch-up paint and primer
• Drywall saw (for large holes)
• Drywall screws or repair clips (depending on repair method)

Fixing Small Holes (Smaller Than 1/2 Inch)

Small drywall holes (like simple nail holes) are minor repairs. Nail holes can typically be fixed with fast-drying spackle in under an hour.

1. Clean the Hole. Remove loose paint and loose debris from the drywall surface to create a smooth surface for the coat of mud.
2. Indent a Little. The real trick is to turn your putty knife around and use the rounded end of the handle to push on the hole where the nail head was a little to indent it. Doing this guarantees the hole edge isn't above the wall surface and gives your compound a place to cover.
3. Apply Lightweight Spackle. Use a putty knife to fill the hole with spackle, pressing it in to eliminate air pockets. Use the putty knife spread the excess drywall mud and to smooth the spackle until level with the wall.
4. Sand, Prime, and Paint. Let the patch dry and lightly sand it flush with the wall. For seamless blending, use primer and dab of paint to cover any minor blemishes.

Fixing Medium Holes (1/2 to 3 Inches Wide)

Medium holes require more steps than small ones but are still manageable for a DIY repair.

1. Clean and Prep the Hole. Trim outer edges with a utility knife and clean the area with a damp cloth to remove dust.
2. Reinforce With Adhesive Drywall Mesh Tape. For holes larger than 1 inch, consider a self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole to stabilize the repair.
3. Apply Joint Compound. Spread a thin layer of joint compound over the tape, feathering the edges to blend with the surrounding wall.
4. Sand and Add a Second Coat. Rarely do you only need a single coat. After the compound dries, sand the patch area smooth, wipe it down with a damp cloth and apply a fresh coat if necessary. Feather the additional coats further out to create a seamless transition.
5. Prime and Paint. Apply primer to the patched area, then finish with color-matched paint for a clean, polished look.

For drywall dings from doorknobs and such, think about protecting that area from future drywall damage, the doorknob is just going to hit it over and over.

FAQ

Can I use toothpaste to fill small holes in drywall?

Oh man, we found so much toothpaste when we turned over tenants in our rental property. Toothpaste can work as a temporary fix for very small nail holes, but it’s not as durable as traditional spackling compound. Over time, it may crack or crumble. For long-lasting results, use regular spackle or joint compound. A small tub of pre-mixed drywall compound is easy to come by.

How long does it take to fix small and medium holes in drywall?

Small holes in drywall can typically be repaired in under an hour, including dry time and sanding time. Medium-sized holes may take a bit longer, especially if an additional layer of drywall mud is needed, but standard drywall repairs can be completed within a day.

Do I need to prime small drywall repairs before painting?

We think it's worth it for the perfect finish, and so do the pros. They'll always tell you that it's recommended, especially for medium-sized holes. Primer seals the surface and prevents the patch job area from absorbing more paint than the surrounding wall and leaving an uneven finish.

What's in a drywall repair kit?

A standard drywall repair kit might be as simple as some joint compound and a plastic putty knife. Some consist of an adhesive 4-inch drywall repair screen while some go up to 8-inches. Others are labeled as an adhesive patch kit. Most patch kits are not meant for larger holes or major repairs.