Small holes and cracks in drywall are almost inevitable in any home. Whether caused by doorknobs, furniture moves, picture hanging gone wrong, or natural settling of your house, these imperfections can be an eyesore in an otherwise beautiful room.

Luckily, repairing minor drywall damage is a DIY-friendly task that can be completed in a weekend. In this guide, we'll walk through the steps to repair different sizes of holes and cracks, giving your walls a smooth, seamless finish that's ready for painting.

What You'll Need

Tools:

  • Putty knife (6-inch and 10-inch)
  • Utility knife
  • Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
  • Sanding block
  • Paint roller and tray
  • Paintbrush
  • Dust mask
  • Safety glasses

Materials:

  • Spackling compound (for small holes)
  • Joint compound (for larger repairs)
  • Self-adhesive mesh drywall tape
  • Drywall patch kit (for medium-sized holes)
  • Small piece of drywall (for larger holes)
  • Primer
  • Paint that matches your wall
  • Drop cloths

Repairing Nail Holes and Small Dents (Under 1/2 inch)

Small holes from nails, thumbtacks, or minor dents are the easiest to fix:

  1. Prepare the area by cleaning away any loose debris or protruding material around the hole.
  2. Apply a small amount of spackling compound to your putty knife.
  3. Press the spackling into the hole, then scrape across the surface with the edge of the putty knife to remove excess and create a smooth, flush surface.
  4. Allow the spackling to dry completely (follow manufacturer's instructions, usually 1-2 hours).
  5. Once dry, lightly sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) until it's smooth and blends with the surrounding wall.
  6. Wipe away any dust with a slightly damp cloth.

Pro Tip:

For tiny nail holes, you can often use the rounded end of a putty knife handle to create a small indentation around the hole before applying spackling. This helps create a more seamless patch.

Repairing Medium Holes (1/2 inch to 6 inches)

For holes larger than a nail hole but smaller than your fist, such as those from doorknobs or small accidents:

  1. Trim any loose paper or damaged drywall around the hole using a utility knife, creating a clean edge.
  2. For holes 1-3 inches in diameter, apply self-adhesive mesh drywall tape over the hole, centered so it covers the hole and extends at least 1 inch beyond all edges.
  3. For holes 3-6 inches, use a self-adhesive drywall patch (often called a patch kit).
  4. Apply a thin layer of joint compound over the patch using your 6-inch putty knife, extending beyond the edges of the patch by about 2-3 inches.
  5. Feather the edges by applying less pressure as you reach the outer edges of your repair area.
  6. Allow to dry completely (usually 24 hours).
  7. Apply a second, thinner coat of joint compound, extending it 1-2 inches beyond the first coat's edges.
  8. Let this coat dry completely.
  9. Sand the repaired area with 120-grit sandpaper, then finish with 220-grit for a smooth finish.
  10. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth.

Pro Tip:

Hold a lamp or flashlight at an angle to the wall when you're done sanding. This will help you spot any remaining imperfections that need additional attention.

Repairing Cracks

Wall cracks usually appear along seams or in corners due to house settling or temperature fluctuations:

  1. Using a utility knife, widen the crack slightly by cutting a small V-shape along its length. This provides more surface area for the repair compound to adhere to.
  2. Clean out any loose debris from the crack.
  3. Apply self-adhesive mesh drywall tape over the entire length of the crack.
  4. Cover the tape with a thin layer of joint compound, using your 6-inch putty knife. Extend the compound about 2 inches beyond each side of the tape.
  5. Allow to dry completely (24 hours).
  6. Apply a second thin coat of joint compound, extending it about 1-2 inches beyond the first coat's edges.
  7. After drying, apply a final thin coat if necessary, feathering the edges to blend with the wall.
  8. Once completely dry, sand the area smooth, starting with 120-grit sandpaper and finishing with 220-grit.
  9. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth.

Pro Tip:

For cracks in corners, use special corner tape (paper tape with a crease) instead of mesh tape for a cleaner result.

Final Steps: Priming and Painting

To complete your repair and make it invisible:

  1. Apply primer to all repaired areas. This is crucial as the repaired areas will absorb paint differently than the surrounding wall.
  2. Allow the primer to dry completely (follow manufacturer's instructions).
  3. Apply paint that matches your wall color. For best results, use the same paint sheen as the existing wall.
  4. If you don't have matching paint, you may need to paint the entire wall for a uniform appearance.
  5. For small repairs, you can often "stipple" the paint using a small brush or sponge to match the texture of your existing wall.

Pro Tip:

If you're struggling to match the existing paint, take a small chip (from behind an outlet cover or in a closet) to your local paint store. Many can match it with their computerized color-matching systems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Primer

Always prime patched areas before painting. Without primer, the repaired spot will likely have a different sheen (flash) and be visible even after painting.

Applying Thick Coats

Multiple thin coats of joint compound are better than one thick coat. Thick applications are prone to cracking and take longer to dry.

Insufficient Sanding

Proper sanding is key to a seamless repair. Take your time and use proper lighting to check your work from different angles.

Rushing the Drying Time

Joint compound needs to be completely dry before sanding or applying additional coats. Patience is essential for a professional-looking result.

Conclusion

Drywall repair is a valuable skill that can save you money and help maintain your home's appearance. While it might take a bit of practice to achieve perfect results, the basic techniques are straightforward and accessible to most DIY enthusiasts.

Remember that larger holes (bigger than 6 inches) generally require a more involved repair process with drywall replacement, which might be covered in a future tutorial. But for the small- to medium-sized damage that most homes experience, the methods outlined above should serve you well.

With some patience and attention to detail, your walls can look as good as new. And once you've mastered these basic techniques, you'll be tackling wall repairs with confidence for years to come!