How to Repair a Small Hole in a Wall

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Repairing any nail holes, dings or dents in your wall before you start decorating is important. If you follow these instructions, you will end up with a smooth surface that looks like new when you are all done.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Drywall compound
2 Putty knives (one should be at least 3 inches wide)
Fine sandpaper
Mask (optional)

Repair Small Holes in a Wall

Step1

Cover the floor and baseboards to prevent drips from ruining your floor.

Step2

Drywall or joint compound on a putty knife Open the drywall compound and take out a small amount on a narrow putty knife.

Step3

Press the compound onto the hole Place a blob of compound over the hole pressing plenty of the compound into the hole to fill it.

Step4

Don't use too much pressure while spreading the first time Hold the wider putty knife at a 45 degree angle against the wall near the blob of compound. Drag the putty knife horizontally over the compound spreading the compound as thinly as you can while still keeping the hole filled.

Step5

Use the narrow putty knife to clean off the excess putty from the wider one.

Step6

Press a little harder this time to end with a smooth surface Hold the wider putty knife against the wall at a 45 degree angle just above the compound. Drag the putty knife downward thinning out the compound a little more.

Step7

Let the compound dry overnight. Now it's time to use the sandpaper. Rub off any rough edges on the compound. When the surface is fairly flat gently rub the sandpaper over the whole area until it is smooth.

Tips & Warnings

The smoother the compound is when it is wet the less sanding you will have to do later.
If you are fixing several holes wipe the putty knives off between holes and start each repair with fresh compound. If you don't you will end up with dry pieces of compound and debris that will crumble and be impossible to smooth out.
If you are fixing several areas at once you will stir up a lot of dust. In this case, it is a good idea to wear a mask to prevent inhaling the dust.

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Comments

Elfenaura said

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on 1/9/2008 I have a suggestion. Using a slightly damp rag (a fine stitched cloth is better than course), first fold, and then gently wipe around the edges of the patch. Let the patch mostly dry and then gently wipe the patch itself, smoothing and blending until it it even with the wall surface. If done carefully, you will eliminate the need for sanding and all that dust. If you make a dent, wait for it to dry, and reapply a little compound.

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