Accidents happen — whether it’s a doorknob bump, an accidental impact, or old wear and tear, learning how to repair a hole in drywall is a valuable skill for any homeowner. The good news? Most drywall holes, from small nail pops to larger holes, can be fixed with a few tools and a little patience. This guide will walk you through how to repair a hole in drywall, step by step, so your walls can look smooth and flawless again.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before you get started on how to repair a hole in drywall, make sure you have the right supplies. You’ll need a drywall patch or mesh tape if the hole is small or medium-sized. Grab a putty knife, some joint compound or spackle, a sanding sponge or sandpaper, a utility knife, and primer and paint to match your wall.
2. Prep the Area
A clean work area is key when learning how to repair a hole in drywall. Use a utility knife to trim away any loose or jagged drywall around the hole. Wipe away dust so the patch will stick properly and blend in smoothly.
3. Fix Small Holes
If you’re figuring out how to repair a hole in drywall that’s smaller than a quarter, spackle is all you need. Use your putty knife to apply a small amount of spackle into the hole, then smooth it flush with the wall. Let it dry completely before sanding it smooth.
4. Patch Medium-Sized Holes
For medium holes, mesh tape or a patch kit is your best bet. Place the adhesive mesh patch over the hole and spread joint compound over it with your putty knife. Feather out the edges so it blends into the surrounding wall. Let it dry, then sand it smooth. You may need to apply a second coat for a flawless finish.
5. Repair Large Holes
When learning how to repair a hole in drywall that’s larger than six inches, you’ll need to replace the damaged section. Cut the hole into a neat square or rectangle so you can fit a new piece of drywall snugly. Insert wooden cleats behind the hole to hold the new piece in place, then screw the drywall patch into the cleats. Apply joint tape around the edges, cover with joint compound, and sand smooth once dry. Add another coat of compound if needed.
6. Prime and Paint
The last step in how to repair a hole in drywall is finishing it off so your wall looks good as new. Wipe away any dust from sanding, apply primer over the repaired spot, and then paint to match the rest of your wall.
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to repair a hole in drywall means you can keep your home looking its best with minimal effort and cost. Small repairs like these are easy DIY wins that build your confidence for bigger projects down the line. So next time you spot a dent or hole, grab your tools and patch it up — you’ve got this!
