How to Fix a Hole in the Wall

You can easily repair holes in sheetrock walls with a just few tools and a little patience, even if you've never fixed a hole in a wall before. The size of the hole in the wall determines the complexity of the repair, with small holes being especially easy to fix.

Things You'll Need

• Soft bristle brush
• Medium to fine grit sandpaper
• Utility knife
• Straightedge
• Drywall
• Drywall screws
• Drywall or sheetrock tape
• Drywall compound
• Putty knife
• Paint

Instructions

1. Remove any debris or remaining paper from the holes. Tear away any loose wall material and brush away the dust. Smooth the area around the hole with a soft bristle brush followed by a medium to fine grit sandpaper.

2. Use a utility knife to cut the hole into a symmetrical square. Press firmly into the wall material and use a straightedge to follow a careful line. Remove the excess wall material.

3. Prepare and cut another piece of drywall using a utility knife to fit the square made in the previous step. Be certain the new piece is slightly smaller than the repair area.

4. Place the new square patch into the hole and tack into place with a drywall screw. You can secure the patch into the wall firmly with this method.

5. Cut strips of drywall or sheetrock tape and tape over the edges of the repaired area.

6. Apply a thin layer of drywall compound over the patched area evenly. Spread across the patch and tape with a putty knife. Extend the compound past the edges about 6 inches.

7. Sand the patched area once the drywall compound has dried. Use a medium to fine grit sandpaper. Paint the area after you remove all dust and debris.

Tips & Warnings

• Use backing strips behind the drywall hole if you don't find a stud.

• Place a fan a few feet in front of the drywall compound area to dry faster.

• Wear a respirator at all times.