Tools
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Before You Shop
Consider these points and plan your purchases accordingly:
- Decide whether you want to repaint the whole wall or just touch up patched areas. If you’re patching tiny nail holes, you can cover up the repairs by dabbing on touch-up paint with a soft cloth.
- If you’re patching a large number of holes and other damage, prime the patched walls before repainting -- especially if you’re choosing a semi-gloss or shinier finish. The higher the gloss, the more different surface textures appear between the patch and the surrounding paint.
Before you begin your repair, it's important to know the utility placement in your home. Typically, electric wires are attached to wall studs. Locate the wall studs before you begin cutting, drilling or nailing drywall.
Wear protective clothing, work gloves, goggles and a dust mask when working with drywall.
Patch 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.
Watch our Video: How Do I Use Sandpaper?
Repair Popped Nailheads
A popped nail isn't holding in the stud and backs out of the drywall, creating a popped nail head.
Repairing a Popped Nailhead
Fix Small Holes
For small holes, like those created by a doorknob, a patch kit may be used.
Fixing Small Holes Using a Patch Kit
Fix Medium Holes
For holes up to 6 inches, use the California Patch.
Watch our DIY Basics video: How Do I Cut Drywall?
Patching Medium Holes Using the California Patch Method
Fix Large Holes
For holes larger than 6 inches, you'll create a drywall patch with a different attachment method for the repair.
Repairing Larger Holes
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.
Repairing Damaged Corner Bead
Finish the Repair
You're almost done. Here's where you make it look like nothing happened.
Finishing Up the Drywall Repair Process
Repair Textured Drywall
Textured drywall is a bit more complicated, but still pretty simple to repair.