Repairing Guides

how to repair holes in apartment walls

by Pedro Kuhlman Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  1. Prepare the surrounding area. Begin by sanding around the hole to make sure it is smooth with the rest of the wall. Clean the area of any loose debris.
  2. Spackle. Use the putty knife to apply spackle into and around the hole. It is important to ensure the spackle is flush with the rest of the wall.
  3. Sanding. Wait until the spackle is completely dry, usually a day, or as indicated on the container for the spackle.
  4. Paint. After the spackle is dry and the area is clean, paint the repair area. You may need to use more than one coat of paint.
  5. Done, congrats! Large holes in your drywall typically come from accidents such as a furniture leg or a human going through a wall. Oops.

What You'll Need to Learn How to Fix Nail Holes in Apartment Walls
  1. Remove Screws and Drywall Anchors. The first step to apartment wall repair is to remove any objects that have been fastened to the wall with a nail or a screw from the wall. ...
  2. Sand It Down. ...
  3. Spackle the Hole. ...
  4. Sand It Again. ...
  5. Time to Paint.
Oct 13, 2021

Full Answer

Can You Put holes in apartment walls?

In summary, you can usually put holes in apartment walls. However, if you do, it’s generally going to be your responsibility as a tenant to return the walls to their original condition. If you don’t, then your landlord is likely to charge you, or deduct the cost of the repair from your security deposit.

What are some reasons to put holes in the wall?

3 Reasons for Holes in the Wall 1 You Want to Hang a Picture#N#Perhaps the most common reason you would want to put holes in your apartment walls is to... 2 You Want to Mount a TV#N#Another common reason you may want to put holes in your apartment walls is to hang a high... 3 You Want New Window Curtains / Blinds More ...

What kind of putty do you use for apartment walls?

If you’ve made holes in apartment walls that are drywall, then you’ll need to use sheetrock putty (also known as joint compound) and possibly even a patch of drywall. If your apartment walls are plaster, then you’ll need to use veneer plaster and joint compound as well.

Can you hang things without drilling holes in walls?

Making holes in apartment walls to hang or mount things is a standard method of doing so; however, there are other more economical and more straightforward alternatives: An adhesive strip will be the most acceptable option to hang a painting or mirror on the wall without drilling a hole.

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How do I fill a hole in my apartment?

To start, squeeze a small amount of the spackle or joint compound onto each small hole and then use your putty knife or utility knife to spread a thin layer and blend it over the hole and wall. Once the spackle or joint compound is completely dry, use the sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the wall.

Can you put holes in apartment walls?

In summary, you can usually put holes in apartment walls. However, if you do, it's generally going to be your responsibility as a tenant to return the walls to their original condition. If you don't, then your landlord is likely to charge you, or deduct the cost of the repair from your security deposit.

How do you fix walls with holes in them?

Fix Medium HolesStep 1: Cut a Drywall Patch. ... Step 2: Score the Back of the Drywall. ... Step 3: Snap Away the Gypsum. ... Step 4: Trace Around the Gypsum on the Wall. ... Step 5: Apply Joint Compound and Insert Gypsum. ... Step 6: Cover the Patch With Joint Compound. ... Step 7: Reapply Second Coat of Compound if Needed.

Can you nail into apartment walls?

Depending on the apartment community, your lease agreement may prohibit nail holes or even place a pricey fine on wall damage. Using nails is the most common way to position wall hangings, but it isn't the only option.

How do I fix the walls in my rental property?

0:312:30How to fix Nail Holes when moving out of a rental property - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then and went over all of the texture. And now when this gets painted there's a big blank spot.MoreAnd then and went over all of the texture. And now when this gets painted there's a big blank spot. So did be done right. You would have to go and retexture this wall.

Can you drill into a wall if you are renting?

Generally, rental contracts spell out what you are and aren't allowed to do to decorate your apartment. The don'ts typically include painting walls, removing or painting kitchen cabinets, drilling holes in the walls or altering flooring.

What is the fastest way to fix a hole in the wall?

0:211:48How To Fix a Hole in the Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese plaster patches are super easy to attach. You simply peel off the back and stick it onto theMoreThese plaster patches are super easy to attach. You simply peel off the back and stick it onto the wall. Just smooth down the edges even grab your spatula to make sure it's really smooth.

How much does it cost to fix hole in wall?

According to experts, you can expect to pay $50 to $75 per hole for drywall repair. The price includes materials and labor. For some handymen or drywall contractors, the location of the holes may factor into the cost.

What is the fastest way to fix a small hole in the wall?

0:145:00How to patch a hole in your wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo right now what we're going to do is we're going to open up the small amount of spackle that weMoreSo right now what we're going to do is we're going to open up the small amount of spackle that we have and an inch and a half will fit nicely into this container.

Can you hang shelves in apartments?

Some shelves can be held up with just two or three nails, depending on their size and shape. Also, consider adding corner shelves to your apartment. Drilling isn't needed, and it helps you answer the question, “What on Earth should I put over there?”

How can I hang pictures in my apartment without nails?

Adhesive and Velcro strips are the most common, and are both great ways to place art around your apartment without leaving residue on the walls. Command strips are perhaps the most popular for holding heavier artwork, with dual adhesive strips that stick to both the wall and your artwork.

How can I decorate my apartment without putting holes in the wall?

12 Tips to Decorate Apartment Walls Without NailsHang curtains using damage-free brackets.Apply removable vinyl decals.Lean objects against the wall.Use cork boards or grid wire boards.Use wall-safe adhesive strips and hooks.Apply poster putty.Use hook-and-loop fasteners.Decorate with washi tape.More items...•

1. Remove Screws and Drywall Anchors

The first step to apartment wall repair is to remove any objects that have been fastened to the wall with a nail or a screw from the wall. Try to put these somewhere safe since what you're about to do might get them dirty.

2. Sand It Down

When you remove those screws and drywall anchors, you may notice that the drywall might stick out a little. You'll want to smooth this down so that the wall looks the same as it did when you moved in. Otherwise, you'll leave the walls looking bumpy and strange - a telltale sign that a shotty repair job has been done.

3. Spackle the Hole

The next thing you need to do is patch the hole. Go ahead and open up the spackle or wall putty that you bought and make sure you have your trowel ready.

4. Sand It Again

At this point, you've technically (and hopefully successfully!) patched the hole. But you still need to repair the texture of the wall and paint it to match the rest of the room.

5. Time to Paint

Before grabbing your paintbrush, we recommend speaking with your leasing agent before painting over anything. There are some apartment communities, like Icon Apartments, that use a special paint type and color, and if you don't match it exactly, it won't have a seamless finish.

What is double coat plaster?

The double coat plaster technique deals with the use of an undercoat and a finishing plaster. It provides a lasting repair and dries up quickly. The undercoat plaster comes first, and then the finishing plaster comes after.

Can you use ready mix plaster to fill holes?

You can also use ready-mix plaster to fill holes. They are easy to use and also ensure that you keep your wall surface clean while at it. You can get ready-mix plasters from a store near you.

Can you fill holes by yourself?

While you can fill your holes by yourself, you need to ensure you stay safe during the process. Do not expose yourself to health risks. This makes it essential to limit your exposure to injury, especially if you are working alone.

Can you use two coats of plaster?

You can use the two-coat method to fill deeper holes seamlessly. The process has some similarities with that of one-coat. However, the application of the plaster is in two layers. It boasts of a more comprehensive process than the first. With this method, you have to apply the undercoat and the finishing plaster.

Do you need to put undercoat plaster before finishing?

You make use of the undercoat plaster as a primary plaster before the main one. It creates the build-up for the appropriate level of thickness before you apply the finishing plaster. So, you have to get your undercoat plaster.

How big of drywall do I need to repair a hole?

Measure the size of the drywall required to repair the hole. You will need a piece one inch larger than the hole. For example, if your hole is 3X3”, your new piece of drywall will need to be 4X4”.

How to repair textured walls?

To better blend in the repair, you must texture the wall. Take the spray texture and read the instructions. Typically, you hold the can a foot away from the wall and sparingly spray the wall while moving the can. Next, you must quickly, and in one or two strokes, move your putty knife over the wet texture to make it as flat as the rest of your wall. Let dry completely before moving on to the next step.

How do I apply plaster to drywall?

Use the putty knife to apply drywall plaster over the new piece of drywall, including the mesh tape. Apply enough cover and make smooth with the surrounding wall. Wait until the plaster sets, usually half an hour. Read the instructions on your plaster container to make sure. Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer of plaster to make a smooth surface. Wait until the plaster is dry, usually within 24 hours. Read the instructions on your plaster container to know how long you must wait before you can proceed.

What causes a hole in drywall?

Large holes in your drywall typically come from accidents such as a furniture leg or a human going through a wall. Oops. This method is excellent for holes larger than a few inches in diameter.

How thick is drywall?

Drywall is typically either 1/2″-inch or 5/8-inch thick. Make sure you measure the thickness of your drywall before making a purchase. You will not need much, so a 2-ft square piece like this will work great.

What tape do I use to repair a hole in drywall?

If you need to repair large holes (up to two inches wide), you can use drywall repair tape. This tape gives the plaster structure to adhere to when covering larger than nail-sized holes.

How many coats of paint do I need to repair spackle?

After the spackle is dry and the area is clean, paint the repair area. You may need to use more than one coat of paint. Let the paint dry before applying the second layer of paint.

How to minimize wall damage when you hang photos and artwork

Sometimes holes are simply unavoidable, but you can limit your need for spackling, sandpaper, or even painting with some easily concealed and filled hanging solutions.

Ways to hang art without any holes at all!

Learn to love the wall lean: So simple, yet so effective. Take advantage of empty wall space on top of your furniture to lean artwork or framed photos against the wall. For larger pieces or big framed mirrors, you can practice the lean method right on the floor.

Repair the walls before moving out

To start, you should go room by room and check all the existing walls for damage. There are different types of wall damage that can occur in your apartment, ranging from drywall damage to tiny holes. And, each repair requires the right tools. Knowing how to fix them is key to success.

How to handle other types of damage

Drywall surface damage isn't the only damage to look out for when leaving an apartment. If you have several rooms, it's important to go room by room and assess what damage and drywall repair you need to complete. Here are other areas to look at.

Take photos

This isn't a repair but is crucial to getting more of your deposit back. Take photos of the current state of everything in the apartment that you couldn't fix yourself.

Learn how to fix wall damage before leaving

Taking the time to do apartment repairs is annoying. But, if you want your deposit back and stay on good terms with your landlord, it's a good idea. As they say, "you should leave a place nicer than you found it," and your apartment is no exception.

How do I clean a spackle hole in a wall?

Don’t worry about getting it all over the wall, you’ll take care of cleanup in the next step. Line up the flat edge of your putty knife against the wall, just above the filled-in area and drag it across the hole once more, forcing the spackle into the hole and cleaning off the excess on the surface as you go.

How do I clean drywall holes?

Prepare the holes by first cleaning out any excess debris. You can use the corner of your putty knife, or grab a firm bristle brush to get the surface really clean. Be sure to knock off any pesky little hunks of drywall that are kind-of-sort-of attached so you have as much of a clean, inverted work area as you possibly can.

What do you use to repair drywall holes in an apartment?

If you’ve made holes in apartment walls that are drywall, then you’ll need to use sheetrock putty (also known as joint compound) and possibly even a patch of drywall.

How many holes do you need to drill for curtain rods?

Most curtain rods will require you to drill at least three hole s in the wall and up to six or seven.

Why hang pictures on the wall?

This is a very legitimate reason. Hanging pictures, shelves or other decorations will help personalize your space to who you are. The typical method for hanging pictures is to drive a few small nails into the wall. And, of course, this will result in holes in the wall.

Can you put holes in an apartment?

However, if you do, it’s generally going to be your responsibility as a tenant to return the walls to their original condition. If you don’t, then your landlord is likely to charge you, or deduct the cost of the repair from your security deposit.

Can you use white toothpaste to fill holes in wood trim?

I found this video on YouTube, and it gives a couple examples for how to do this best: If you are patching holes you made in wood trim, you’ll have to use a wood filler product to fill in the holes.

Do renters have to replace air filters?

Renters are usually expected to replace air filters themselves. This includes the purchase of the filters, although many landlords will provide a couple of extra filters as a courtesy. There are some variations, however, and you should check your lease for the specific expectations.

Do landlords charge security deposit?

Most landlords will charge their tenants what’s called a security deposit before they are able to move into their rental property. This provides the landlord with financial and property protection in the case that you either don’t pay your rent or you do damage to your apartment that they need to fix when you leave.

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