
How to Fix Dents in Drywall
- Prepare Your Workspace. Remove all furnishings near the work area. Spread a plastic drop cloth at the base of the...
- Prepare Area Around the Dent. Examine the dent and remove any loose drywall. Score the drywall around the dent with a...
- Apply Waterproof Primer. Apply a coat of waterproof primer around the damaged area using a...
Can you fix dents in drywall that don't break through?
Small nicks and dents in drywall that do not break through the paper are very easy to repair. The steps to fix these types of minor drywall damage is similar to fixing nicks and dents that break through the drywall paper. However, there is no need to use drywall paper to reinforce the repair.
How do you fix a dent in a plaster wall?
Examine the dent and remove any loose plaster. Score the drywall around the dent with a utility knife. Make the score lines 1 inch away from the edge of the dent. Gently tear off the drywall paper within the scored lines. Lightly sand the wall around the dent. This will ensure a good bond with the drywall compound.
How to repair small holes in drywall?
How to Repair Small Holes in Drywall Using a utility knife, carve away any stray pieces of surface paper or gypsum that might be protruding out from the surface of the wall. You need the borders of the damaged area to be flat or recessed inward before you repair the hole.
How do you fix a dent in drywall with a stencil?
Use the stencil to cut a hole around the dent. Grab your drywall patch stencil and use a pencil to draw a circle around the dent. Cut the drywall with a box cutter to remove the dent from the wall. Then, pry the cut circle of drywall off of your wall and throw it away.

How do you fix drywall indentations?
Sand the edges surrounding the cut-away dent area for better surface adherence. Next, prime the dented spot with a paintbrush to seal this portion of drywall. Then, with your putty knife, apply a small amount of joint compound to fill the dent. Feather the edges to blend the new compound with the rest of the wall.
How do you fix a small ding in drywall?
0:101:23How to Fix a Ding in Drywall : Wall Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's fairly simple to fix take a little bit of your joint compound. And work it right into thatMoreIt's fairly simple to fix take a little bit of your joint compound. And work it right into that joint. And put it right over your dent. And you don't want to take it and just wipe it real smooth.
What household items can fix a dent in the wall?
Squeeze a small amount of white toothpaste into the hole and smooth over the surface using a putty knife or index card. White bar soap can be used in a similar fashion. Dampen the bar of soap and rub it over the hole until it is filled. Use an index card to remove the excess material.
What is the best way to fix drywall?
Conclusion. Very minor drywall repairs are easily fixed using a six inch knife and spackle or drywall mud. Quick setting drywall mud, also known as hot mud, is best for minor repairs because it sets quickly and creates a hard durable surface. If the drywall damage breaks through the drywall paper, it is best to us a slightly different method ...
How to check for imperfections in drywall?
You can check for any imperfections by shining a bright halogen light across the surface. It is better to check for tool marks or pock marks before painting because once it is painted, these types of imperfections will be more difficult to remove.
Is spackle good for drywall?
Spackle is good for these types of small repairs however it is not suitable for larger patches. Anytime, drywall tape is needed to add strength to the repair, drywall mud should be used.
Can drywall paper break?
The steps to fix these types of minor drywall damage is similar to fixing nicks and dents that break through the drywall paper. However, there is no need to use drywall paper to reinforce the repair.
Can you use drywall paper to repair a drywall hole?
However, there is no need to use drywall paper to reinforce the repair. Using just a small amount of drywall mud or spackle, minor nicks and dents in drywall can be fixed. You can use the following steps to fix very minor drywall repairs that do not break through the drywall paper.
How to fill a dented wall with drywall compound?
Scoop out a small portion of drywall compound with a 6-inch putty knife and apply a thin coat of compound. Fill in the dented area. Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle to the wall, scrape off the excess compound and feather out the edges. This technique blends the outer edges of the compound with the surrounding wall. Allow the compound to completely dry. This may take several hours depending on the humidity level and air temperature.
How to fill in a dented wall?
Fill in the dented area. Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle to the wall, scrape off the excess compound and feather out the edges. This technique blends the outer edges of the compound with the surrounding wall. Allow the compound to completely dry.
How to speed up drying time of drywall?
If you have a fan, point it at the damaged area to speed up the drying time of the compound. Use a lightweight drywall compound because it dries faster and is easier to sand. Drywall compound shrinks as it dries. Deep dents or gouges may require more than three thin coats of the compound.
Why use drywall compound?
Use a lightweight drywall compound because it dries faster and is easier to sand. Drywall compound shrinks as it dries. Deep dents or gouges may require more than three thin coats of the compound. Related Articles. How to Fix Wall Dimples. How to Fix a Gouge in Drywall. How to Fix a Gash in the Wall.
How to repair a drywall cut?
Apply a coat of waterproof primer around the damaged area using a paintbrush. The water in drywall compound can cause small bubbles to form along the cut edges of the paper. The waterproof primer seals the edges. Allow the primer to completely dry.
Why use lightweight drywall compound?
Use a lightweight drywall compound because it dries faster and is easier to sand.
What is drywall in a home?
Drywall, as The Home Depot describes, is a flat panel used for walls in homes that consists of gypsum plaster in between two sheets of thick paper; it attaches to metal or wood studs with nails or screws. As most homeowners can attest to, no matter how careful you are, furniture-moving accidents happen and doorknobs get pushed into walls. Before you know it, your drywall has an ugly dent. You might temporarily hide the damage with a piece of furniture, but sooner or later the drywall will need to be repaired.
Small Dents and Dings
Scrape away loose debris from the hole. Cover the hole or dent with fast-drying spackle to bring the spackle level with the drywall surface and let it dry 24 hours -- or the time recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. Sand smooth.
Popped Nail Heads
A popped nail isn't holding in the stud and backs out of the drywall, creating a popped nail head.
Small Holes
For small holes, like those created by a doorknob, a patch kit may be used.
Large Holes
For holes larger than 6 inches, you'll create a drywall patch with a different attachment method for the repair.
Corner Bead Patch
Corner bead is used where two pieces of drywall meet to form a corner. Corner bead is available in a variety of materials, including metal, paper and vinyl.
Finish the Repair
You're almost done. Here's where you make it look like nothing happened.
Repair Textured Drywall
Textured drywall is a bit more complicated, but still pretty simple to repair.
How to cover a dent in drywall?
Apply a plaster grid for reinforcement. Buy a sheet of plaster grid and cut out a small square, just large enough to cover the dent. While the drywall mud is still wet, stick the plaster grid onto the wall to cover and reinforce the dent.
What is a large dents?
Large dents are any dents that are wider than 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) across.
How long does it take for drywall mud to dry?
Wait for the putty to dry. Drywall mud usually takes about 24 hours to dry. It’s important to let the drywall mud cure completely; otherwise, your next steps could damage your wall even further. To speed up the drying process, point a fan at the wall overnight.
How to match paint color on wall?
If you aren’t sure what the exact color of your wall is, chip off a small sliver of paint and take it to a hardware store. They’ll be able to match the paint color precisely so you don’t have to guess.
Can you cut a circle around a dent in drywall?
If your drywall patch kit didn’t come with a stencil, that’s okay! Just cut a circle around the dent with a box cutter. You’ll be able to modify the drywall patch if you need to.
Can drywall dust cause throat irritation?
Drywall dust can cause throat and airway irritation. Always wear an N95 mask when sanding drywall.
How long does it take for a hole patch to dry?
Let the Drywall Hole Patch Cure. Allow this first layer of joint compound to dry. Drying time may take up to two or three hours. You can speed up the joint compound drying time by ventilating the room and by keeping the room warm.
How to cover patch area with paint?
Wipe away all sanding dust with a clean rag, Paint over the patch area with matching paint. It generally takes two coats of paint to adequately cover the patch area, as the joint compound readily absorbs paint.
How far does joint tape extend?
Cut off two sections of paper joint tape, so that each length of tape will extend at least 2 inches beyond each side of the hole.
How to make a hole in a wall with paper tape?
Cut off two sections of paper joint tape, so that each length of tape will extend at least 2 inches beyond each side of the hole. Smooth down a thin layer of joint compound. Apply the joint tape over the hole in a cross-shaped pattern, one piece over the other. Press the tape down so that it fully adheres to the wall surface.
How many coats of paint do you need to cover a patch?
It generally takes two coats of paint to adequately cover the patch area, as the joint compound readily absorbs paint. If you are patching many holes, you may want to first prime the patched area before painting. For just a small hole or two, it should not be necessary to prime first. The Spruce / Margot Cavin.
Is drywall easy to install?
Drywall is an inexpensive, easy-to-install surface. It is easy to hang, drill into, finish, and paint. One of the drawbacks of drywall construction for walls and ceilings in residential homes is that it can be damaged fairly easily, with cracks, dents, and holes appearing with only moderate impact. Fortunately, holes in drywall are easy ...
Can a chair cause holes in drywall?
Accidentally hitting a wall with a chair can cause holes, as well. Drywall is by nature a fairly brittle, fragile material. Drywall is meant to be that way so it can be cut and fitted quickly during installation. Most wall and ceiling surfaces are only 1/2-inch thick; drywall is not meant to be impervious.
