We have all been there. You decide to move a heavy piece of furniture, or perhaps a doorknob swings back a bit too quickly, and suddenly you are staring at an unsightly hole in your drywall. While it is tempting to cover it with a strategically placed picture frame, repairing a small drywall hole is actually a simple weekend project that anyone can tackle with a few basic tools.
To get started, you will need a lightweight spackling compound, a putty knife, a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper, and a self-adhesive mesh patch if the hole is larger than a nail head. If you are dealing with a tiny nail hole, you can skip the mesh patch entirely and go straight to the spackle.
First, prepare the area. Use your utility knife or even the handle of your putty knife to gently scrape away any loose debris or paper around the edges of the hole. You want a clean, relatively flat surface.
If you are using a mesh patch, cut a piece slightly larger than the hole and press it firmly over the opening. The adhesive back will keep it in place. Next, apply the spackling compound.
Scoop a small amount onto your putty knife and smooth it over the patch or hole. Hold the knife at a thirty-degree angle and sweep it across the area, pressing firmly to force the compound into the hole and through the mesh. Then, hold the knife at a ninety-degree angle and scrape off the excess spackle in a clean, swift motion.
This ensures the patch remains thin and blends into the surrounding wall. Allow the spackle to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes anywhere from one to four hours depending on the depth of the hole.
Once dry, use your fine-grit sandpaper to gently buff the area until it is completely flush with the rest of the wall. Run your hand over the patch to check for any uneven spots. The final step is to apply a coat of primer followed by your matching wall paint.
Skipping the primer can cause the paint to absorb differently over the patched area, leaving a dull spot. With a quick brush of paint, your wall will look as good as new, and no one will ever know a hole was there.