Drywall is a staple in most homes, and so are drywall dings, drywall cracks, and every other kind of drywall damage you can imagine. Whether from accidental impacts, nail holes, or wear and tear, holes in drywall can leave your walls looking less than perfect. Luckily, fixing drywall doesn’t always require professional expertise—just the right tools and some patience. It's easier than you'd think to learn how to repair drywall, do a patch job on holes of various sizes, and spackle walls to restore them to a smooth, flawless finish.
Materials and Drywall Tools
For any drywall repair project, having the right materials on hand makes your DIY project go much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spackling paste or joint compound (drywall mud)
- Fine-grit Sandpaper or fine-grit sanding sponge
- Putty knife (aka joint knife, drywall knife)
- 6-inch drywall knife or 12-inch drywall taping knife (for larger repairs)
- Drywall patch or adhesive mesh tape
- Utility knife
- Touch-up paint and primer
- Drywall saw (for large holes)
- Drywall screws or repair clips
Small Holes and Repairs
Small drywall holes, like holes from nails, are the most basic drywall repair and easiest to deal with. Simple nail holes can typically be fixed with fast-drying spackle in under an hour.
- Clean the Area. Remove any loose debris or paint chips around the hole with a putty knife or sandpaper. A clean, smooth surface helps the coat of spackle adhere properly.
- Indent a Little. I don't see this step in a lot of "tips", but turn your putty knife around and use the rounded end of the handle to push on the hole a little to indent it. Doing this guarantees the hole isn't above the drywall surface and gives your compound a place to cover.
- Apply Lightweight Spackle. Use a putty knife to press lightweight spackle into the hole. Smooth the surface by scraping away any excess spackle with the knife. Don't go crazy removing the extra spackle, you need something to sand.
- Sand for a Smooth Finish. Once the spackling has dried (refer to the product’s instructions for drying time), lightly sand the patch area smooth until it’s flush with the surrounding wall. (Sometimes I cheat and use a light touch with a damp sponge.)
- Paint Over the Repair. If the hole truly is small, you can skip the primer. Use color-matched paint to touch up the area, blending it seamlessly into the rest of the wall. Usually a dab of paint will do.
Medium Holes ( 1/2" to 3 Inches)
Medium-sized holes, often caused by doorknob impacts or minor accidents, require reinforcement before applying a layer of compound.
- Prep the Hole. Trim any jagged rough edges with a utility knife and clean the area with a damp cloth to remove dust.
- Insert a Backing Patch. For drywall holes over one inch wide, use a drywall patch or mesh tape as a backing. This step ensures stability for the filler.
- Apply Joint Compound. Spread a thin, even layer of joint compound over the patch using an appropriately oversized putty knife. Feather the outer edges so the repair blends smoothly with the wall.
- Sand and Add Another Layer. Allow the coat of compound to dry, then smooth the compound with sandpaper and gently wipe with a damp cloth. You may need to apply two or more coats of compound to achieve a flawless surface.
- Prime and Paint. To avoid noticeable color differences, do not paint unprimed compound. Always use primer before wall paint on the patched drywall.
Large Holes (3" or Larger)
Larger patches, often holes larger than 3 inches, typically require replacing a section of drywall. This patching process is more time-intensive and requires a bit more finesse, but we've done it, we know you'll be able to do it, too.
- Cut Out the Damaged Section. Use a drywall saw to cut a clean, square or rectangular section around the entire hole. This makes it easier to fit a replacement patch of drywall. Beware of electrical wires or possible water pipes when cutting into a wall.
- Measure and Cut a New Drywall Patch. Cut a piece of drywall to fit the opening precisely. Use the measurements of the hole as a guide.
- Attach the Patch Piece. Secure the drywall patch in place using drywall screws and a drill. If no wall studs are available, use back bracing, drywall repair clips, or adhesive mesh tape for support.
- Apply Joint Tape and Joint Compound. Cover the seams around the patch with self-adhesive fiberglass drywall tape then spread joint compound over the joint tape and screw holes. Feather the edges to blend with the wall.
- Let Dry, Sand, Apply Joint Compound, Repeat. After the compound (drywall mud) dries, sand the area until smooth and reapply drywall mud feathering out further. Repeat this process. NOTE: Do not prime and paint until you're completely satisfied!
- Sand, Prime, and Paint. Apply primer to prevent the patched drywall from showing through, then finish with a coat of matching paint.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Repairing Drywall
- Skipping sanding: Failing to sand the area or messy sanding can leave the repair noticeable under paint.
- Applying too much compound at once: Thin, even layers dry faster and blend better.
- Skipping primer: Paint can appear uneven or dull without a primed surface.
- Using incorrect tools: A dirty putty knife or the wrong grit of sandpaper can lead to poor results.
FAQ
How long does it take to repair drywall?
The time required depends on the size of the damage and the materials used. Small holes can be repaired in under an hour, while larger drywall patches may take a day or two to account for drying times and painting.
Can I patch minor damage without replacing a section?
For holes smaller than 3 inches, you can typically use spackling paste or joint compound with a backing patch to fix the area without cutting out and replacing drywall. For larger holes, replacing the damaged section is recommended for durability.
What tools do I need to patch drywall?
You’ll need basic tools like a putty knife, sandpaper, utility knife, and primer and paint. For larger repairs, a drywall saw, screws, repair clips, mesh drywall tape, and an extra pieces of drywall may also be necessary.
What's a patch kit?
There's are a wide variety of wall repair patch kits out there. Do some research to find one that might work for you. They could be called an adhesive drywall patch, an adhesive patch kit, or even a self-adhesive mesh patch, so check them all out.
