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How to Fix Drywall Holes

Homes are for living in and when you live somewhere, accidents are almost impossible to avoid. When those accidents land you with a hole in your drywall, what can you do?

Fixing drywall holes, whether small nail holes or larger damage, is a common home repair task. And one that you can do yourself in an afternoon. Without further ado, here's a guide for fixing both small and large drywall holes.

Small Drywall Holes (Nail Holes, Small Dents)

Materials Needed

-Spackling compound or lightweight joint compound

-Putty knife

-Sandpaper (fine grit)

-Paint

Steps

Prepare the Area

Clean the area around the hole to remove dust and debris.

Apply Spackling Compound

Use a putty knife to apply a small amount of spackling compound or lightweight joint compound to the hole. Press the compound into the hole and smooth it out.

Smooth and Blend

Use the putty knife to feather the edges of the compound, blending it into the surrounding wall. Remove excess compound to create a smooth surface.

Let Dry

Allow the compound to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Sand and Finish

Lightly sand the patched area using fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth.

Paint

If necessary, paint the patched area to match the surrounding wall.

Large Drywall Holes

Materials Needed

-Drywall patch (cut to size)

-Joint compound

-Mesh tape (if needed)

-Putty knife

-Sandpaper (fine grit)

-Paint

Steps

Prepare the Hole

Clean the hole and remove any loose or damaged drywall.

Install the Patch

If the hole is large, use a drywall patch cut to size. Secure the patch to the wall using joint compound or adhesive.

Apply Joint Compound

Use a putty knife to apply a layer of joint compound over the patch, extending beyond the edges to feather the compound.

Apply Mesh Tape (if needed)

For larger holes, place self-adhesive mesh tape over the joint compound to reinforce the repair.

Build Up Layers

Apply additional layers of joint compound, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. Feather the edges to create a smooth transition.

Let Dry

Allow the joint compound to dry completely between layers.

Sand and Finish

Sand the patched area using fine-grit sandpaper until it's smooth and flush with the surrounding wall. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth.

Paint

If necessary, paint the patched area to match the surrounding wall.

Keep in mind that achieving a seamless repair takes practice, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. Small imperfections can often be camouflaged with paint and won't be noticeable. If you're unsure about tackling larger repairs or if the damage is extensive, consider consulting a professional drywall contractor.

We hope that this simple guide leaves you confident to make your own drywall repairs! If you enjoyed this blog, odds are that you will enjoy some of our other blogs as well. Browse our Goodwyn blog page for more helpful tips and check back often!

By Goodwyn Building 8-22-2023