Project Overview
Drywall holes are common and easy to fix. This guide covers three methods for different hole sizes, from small nail holes to large damage requiring patches.
Tools and Materials
- Joint compound (spackle for small holes)
- Putty knife (various sizes)
- Drywall patch kit (for medium holes)
- Drywall piece and furring strips (large holes)
- Sandpaper (120-150 grit)
- Primer and paint
Small Holes (Nail/Screw Holes)
- Fill hole with lightweight spackle using putty knife
- Scrape excess flush with wall
- Let dry (usually 30 minutes)
- Sand lightly if needed
- Prime and paint
Medium Holes (1-4 inches)
- Clean edges of hole
- Apply self-adhesive mesh patch over hole
- Spread thin layer of joint compound over patch
- Let dry, apply second coat extending beyond first
- Sand smooth, prime, and paint
Large Holes (4+ inches)
- Cut hole into clean square/rectangle shape
- Install backing support (furring strips or drywall clips)
- Cut drywall patch to fit
- Secure patch to backing with screws
- Apply mesh tape to seams
- Apply 3 coats of joint compound, feathering edges
- Sand, prime, and paint
Pro Tips
- Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat
- Feather edges to blend with surrounding wall
- Let each coat dry completely before sanding
- Use a damp sponge for dust-free sanding on final coat