Repairing Guides

how to repair small holes in drywall

by Dr. Marilyne Mayer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Step 1 Fill the Hole with Spackle. The simplest way to permanently fix a hole in drywall is to purchase a quality joint compound filler or putty.
  2. Step 2 Allow the Spackle to Dry. Once you are satisfied that the hole is sufficiently covered, allow the spackle to dry. This typically can take several hours.
  3. Step 3 Sand the Area Smooth. After the spackle has dried completely, use sandpaper to file down and smoothen the surface. ...
  4. Step 4 Touch up the Paint. Now that the spackle is completely dry and the wall surface is even and smooth, you can successfully paint over the holes.

Part of a video titled How to fix small holes in drywall - YouTube
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Out you can use the putty knife to scratch off the surface. Area if it's a nail use a hammer to pushMoreOut you can use the putty knife to scratch off the surface. Area if it's a nail use a hammer to push it back in so that it's flush with the wall.

Full Answer

What tools are needed to fix a hole in drywall?

Other Tools That Are Nice to Have:

  • Keyhole Saw
  • Drywall Screw Gun
  • Cordless Drill
  • Drywall T square
  • Rasp
  • RotoZip ®
  • Ten Inch Drywall Knife
  • Halogen Light
  • Sanding Pole

How much does drywall repair cost for small holes?

To estimate costs for your project:

  1. Set Project Zip Code Enter the Zip Code for the location where labor is hired and materials purchased.
  2. Specify Project Size and Options Enter the number of "items" required for the project.
  3. Re-calculate Click the "Update" button.

How to fix a large hole in your drywall?

Method 2 Method 2 of 2: Patching with a New Piece of Drywall Download Article

  1. Cut the hole into a neat square or rectangle. Home Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. ...
  2. Create a patch out of drywall that is 2 in (5.1 cm) taller than the hole. ...
  3. Put a screw through the middle of the patch to make a handle. ...
  4. Apply construction adhesive to the bottom and top edges of the patch. ...

More items...

How to patch large holes in drywall?

All you need are the right tools and the correct approach for the type of damage. Learn how to patch drywall, whether small nail holes or large damage, and your wall surfaces will soon look as good as the day you moved in (so you can get that security ...

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How do you fix a small hole in drywall without a patch?

Tiny nail and screw holes are the easiest to fix. Use a putty knife to fill them with spackling or wall joint compound. Allow the area to dry, then sand lightly. Anything larger must be covered with a bridging material for strength before patching compound can be applied.

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.

How do I patch a hole in drywall?

2:4915:38How to Fix Holes in Drywall - 4 Easy Methods - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimilar with the first one you can buy a large patch that's a mesh adhesive patch like this one hereMoreSimilar with the first one you can buy a large patch that's a mesh adhesive patch like this one here we can actually just apply this eight by eight patch over the whole thing.

How do you repair small drywall damage?

0:033:09How to Repair Drywall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGot a few holes in your walls fix your damaged drywall with these simple repair tips small dings andMoreGot a few holes in your walls fix your damaged drywall with these simple repair tips small dings and dents are easy scrape away loose debris apply lightweight spackle.

What household items can I use to patch a small hole in the wall?

Mix together one tablespoon flour, one teaspoon salt, and a few drops of water to form a paste. Apply the mixture heavily to your cardboard patch so that it oozes around the square's edges and binds it in place to the drywall. Allow the paste to set, and then pull out the string.

How does Home Depot fix small holes in drywall?

0:013:12How to Patch Drywall | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor small holes and dents use a putty knife or your finger to fill the hole with lightweight.MoreFor small holes and dents use a putty knife or your finger to fill the hole with lightweight. Spackling.

What kind of putty is used for drywall?

Joint compound, also called drywall compound, is a putty that has the consistency of plaster and is designed for larger jobs. Joint compound is made by mixing gypsum dust and water into a paste. It's usually comes in a pre-mixed container for your convenience and is commonly used for taping and finishing drywall seams.

Whats the difference between joint compound and spackle?

Joint compound is used in large quantities to cover a larger surface area, so you end up spending more on it for your drywall project. Spackle may come in a small container, but you only use mere ounces of it at a time, and a tub can last for months, if not years.

How do you seal a hole in a wall?

0:331:48How 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 do you spackle a small hole?

0:000:58Lightweight Spackle for Small Holes, Dents and Cracks in DrywallYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore you use it and then use a scraper or drywall knife and knock off any particles around theMoreBefore you use it and then use a scraper or drywall knife and knock off any particles around the dents cracks or holes when you apply the spackle you want to pull it tight. Against the surface.

What is the best drywall patch?

Top 4 Best Drywall Patch KitsNamePatch TypeBuy it now!3M Patch Plus Primer Small Hole Repair KitFiberglassAMAZONHomax Wall Patch & Repair KitSteelAMAZONRed Devil Patch-A-Wall KitAluminumAMAZONDAP Wall Repair KitAluminumAMAZONApr 26, 2020

Is spackle a filler?

Spackle is best used for filling smaller holes and damage in 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 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 paper joint tape self adhesive?

Paper joint tape is not self-adhesive, but it does easily adhere with a light application of joint compound with a drywall knife. Paper tape is preferred over fiberglass mesh joint tape. Even though the mesh tape is stronger, it is thicker and more difficult to finish down smoothly. The techniques described here are for small holes —no more ...

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.

Can you use paper joint tape to repair drywall?

The fact that drywall panels are so easy to join also makes it easy to repair. Simple paper joint tape and a small amount of drywall compound—known in the building trades as mud—is all it takes to repair most small holes in drywall surfaces. Paper joint tape is not self-adhesive, but it does easily adhere with a light application ...

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.

Step 1

Before you begin any repair work, it’s important to measure the hole you want to cover so you can pick up the right patch for the job—the patch should overlap an inch or two past the edge of the hole.

Step 2

Next, you’ll need to use a Stud Finder to find and mark the nearest studs on either side of the hole you plan to repair—you don’t want to accidentally cut into them or any electrical wiring that may be attached!

Step 3

After marking your studs, grab your straight edge and pencil and create a rectangular or circular outline around the hole, depending on your preference.

Step 4

Remove the paper backing and place the drywall patch (sticky side down) over the hole. Run your fingers over the edges of the patch to ensure that it’s firmly adhered to the wall.

Step 5

Once your patch is in place, use a flexible (not stiff) putty knife. A flexible putty knife does a far better job at evenly pressing joint compound through the patch’s mesh for a longer-lasting, more durable repair job.

Step 6

Allow the joint compound to completely dry before lightly sanding over any high spots with a dry sanding sponge or hand sander. You can then reapply joint compound as necessary.

Step 7

After waiting for your last layer of joint compound to completely dry, it’s finally time to finish your repair. If you have textured walls, move ahead to the next step where we’ll walk you through the finishing process for orange peel and knockdown texture.

Why do drywall screws pop up?

But drywall screws sometimes pop up too, as a result of damp framing that dries out and shrinks during the first year or two in new construction. The first step of how to patch a small hole in the wall is to drive nails back down using a nail set.

How to get a hump out of tape?

Squeeze some, but not all, of the compound out from under the tape so you don’t create a big hump on the wall. Immediately apply a light coating to the topside of the tape, tapering it out onto the wall.

What happens when you remove screws from drywall?

Other holes occur when wall anchors or screws are used to anchor cabinets, shelves, or pictures to walls; when these screws are removed, you are left with holes that penetrate through the drywall panels.

Why does drywall pucker outward?

This usually occurs when screws or wall anchors are extracted from the wall, but it also sometimes occurs when drywall screws are driven too far during installation, breaking the paper and causing it to pucker outward.

How to draw a knife through drywall?

Holding the knife at an angle to the drywall with the mudded side facing the wall, press the front edge of the knife against the wall and draw it across the hole. The flexible knife blade should bend slightly as you draw the knife. Check to make sure the hole is filled flat with joint compound.

What is spackle made of?

Like joint compound, spackle is made from a gypsum base. Because it is lighter in weight and airier, spackle dries faster than joint compound. It is not recommended for larger holes, however. Holes larger than about 1 inch in diameter require some kind of backing material before covering with joint compound.

Do you need to apply a second coat of mud to a joint compound?

Apply a Second Coat. Joint compound shrinks slightly as it dries, so you will usually need to apply a second coat of mud.This is especially true if the hole is somewhat large, when cracks can often appear in the joint compound as it dries.

Can you smear joint compound over drywall?

If any of the face paper on drywall puckers outward, this needs to be trimmed before you cover the holes with joint compound. You can't simply smear joint compound over these areas—the hole needs to be concave in order to be smoothly covered.

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