How to Patch a Wall

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Wall patching is a common home repair. You can damage your walls when you move furniture, or nail something on the wall, or even if you yourself bump into the wall. Use a quality putty and knife to fill small dings and dents; use screen to patch larger holes.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Drywall mud
Spackle knife
Drywall screen
Drywall tape
Sand paper
Paint

Step1

Cut a piece of drywall screen that's about an inch bigger than the hole on all sides. Tape the screen over the hole using drywall tape.

Step2

Apply a liberal coat of drywall mud and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Step3

Sand the excess mud away until the wall patch is even with the surrounding wall. Clean away the dust with a damp cloth.

Step4

Paint over your wall patch and your hole is be repaired.

Tips & Warnings

For very large holes, place a piece of drywall larger than the hole over the top of the hole and cut through both layers. This cuts a patch that is exactly the size you need. Tape the edges and cover with mud. Sand and paint and you're finished.
To fill very tiny holes use wall putty. Just put some on the end of your finger and smear it over the hole. For slightly larger dents, put a healthy amount of putty onto the knife and smooth it over hole. Let it dry, then sand the surface and touch it up with paint.