How to Fix Holes in Drywall (Like a Pro)

Drywall is widely used in homes due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. However, it is not immune to damage, and learning how to fix holes in drywall can help you maintain your walls without needing to hire a professional. Whether you are a homeowner, a tenant, or a DIY enthusiast, knowing how to fix a hole in drywall is a valuable skill. Accidents can happen—whether from moving furniture, hanging wall décor, or even bumping into the wall—leaving behind unsightly damage that, if ignored, can worsen over time.

Fixing holes in drywall is not only a matter of improving your home’s appearance but also about maintaining its structural integrity. While small holes may seem trivial, they can weaken the drywall over time, and larger holes can compromise the wall’s durability. Thankfully, with the right tools, materials, and knowledge, you can tackle holes of any size.

Throughout this guide, you’ll learn how to fix small holes in drywall, medium-sized holes, and large holes that require more extensive repair. We’ll also cover specialty drywall holes and offer tips for sanding, priming, and painting to achieve a flawless finish.

Tools and Materials You Will Need to Repair Drywall

Before you begin repairing drywall holes, it’s essential to gather the right tools and materials. This will make the process more efficient and help you achieve professional-looking results. Here’s a list of items you will need to fix holes in drywall, regardless of size:

• Joint compound (spackle for small holes): Used to fill in the holes and create a smooth surface.
• Drywall patch kit (for medium to large holes): Includes patches and sometimes joint compound for larger repairs.
• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit): Essential for smoothing the surface after applying joint compound.
• Putty knife: Used to apply and smooth joint compound.
• Drywall saw (for large holes):  A small handheld saw used to cut drywall cleanly.
• Utility knife: Helps in trimming edges around the hole for a clean repair.
• Drywall screws: Used to secure drywall patches to the wall.
• Drill (for securing larger drywall patches): Needed for attaching screws when replacing larger sections of drywall.
• Drywall mesh tape: Helps reinforce the seams around the hole and prevents cracks.
• Paint and primer: Required to restore the wall’s appearance after the hole is repaired.
• Dust mask: Protects you from inhaling drywall dust during sanding.

Having these tools and materials ready will streamline your repair process and help ensure that the finished product is smooth and seamless.

How to Fix Small Holes in Drywall (Less Than 1 Inch)

Small holes in drywall are often the result of minor mishaps, such as hanging picture frames, removing wall anchors, or accidental bumps from furniture. These holes are typically less than 1 inch in diameter and can be easily repaired with minimal effort.

1. Clean the Area Around the Hole

Start by inspecting and cleaning the area around the hole. Use a utility knife to trim away any rough or loose drywall fragments. It’s important to create a smooth, clean surface to ensure the repair holds properly. Removing debris also helps the joint compound adhere better to the surface.

2. Apply Joint Compound

For small holes, joint compound (or spackle) is typically all you need. Use a putty knife to scoop out a small amount of joint compound and press it into the hole. Be sure to spread it evenly, covering the entire hole, and smooth it out with the putty knife. Aim to make the patched area level with the surrounding wall.

3. Let the Compound Dry

The drying time will vary depending on the type of joint compound you’re using and the size of the hole. Generally, small holes will take a few hours to dry. Be patient and ensure the compound is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

4. Sand the Area Smooth 

Once the joint compound is dry, use 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Be gentle to avoid sanding down too much of the surrounding wall. The goal is to blend the repaired area with the existing drywall.

5. Apply a Second Coat (If Needed) 

In some cases, the first layer of joint compound may not fully cover the hole or blend seamlessly with the wall. If this happens, apply a second, thinner coat of joint compound and repeat the drying and sanding process.

6. Prime and Paint:

After sanding the area smooth, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. Apply a coat of primer to the repaired area to ensure the paint adheres well and matches the surrounding wall. Once the primer is dry, paint over the patch with the same color as the rest of the wall. If necessary, apply multiple coats of paint for even coverage.

By following these simple steps, you’ll have learned how to fix a hole in drywall that’s small and easy to manage. This method is effective for repairing small nail holes, screw holes, and other minor damage.

How to Fix Medium-Sized Holes in Drywall (1-4 Inches)

Medium-sized holes in drywall, typically ranging from 1 to 4 inches in diameter, can be caused by larger impacts such as a door handle hitting the wall or removing large anchors. These repairs are slightly more involved than fixing small holes, but with the right approach, you can achieve a flawless result.

1. Prepare the Hole

Before starting, examine the hole and clean the area around it. Use a utility knife to remove any loose or damaged drywall around the hole. If the hole is irregularly shaped, cut it into a more uniform square or rectangle. This makes it easier to apply a patch.

2. Apply a Patch or Mesh Tape

For holes of this size, a drywall patch kit or self-adhesive mesh tape is typically used. Place the patch over the hole, ensuring that it fully covers the damaged area. Mesh tape is particularly useful for reinforcing the hole and preventing cracks in the future.

3. Apply Joint Compound

Using a putty knife, apply a generous amount of joint compound over the patch or mesh tape. Spread the compound evenly, feathering it out over the surrounding area to create a smooth transition between the patch and the existing drywall. Make sure to cover the patch entirely.

4. Let the Compound Dry

Allow the joint compound to dry completely, which usually takes several hours depending on the thickness of the application. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific drying times.

5. Sand the Area

Once the compound is dry, use 120-grit sandpaper to sand the area smooth. Be sure to sand gently, as you don’t want to sand away too much of the compound or the surrounding drywall.

6. Apply a Second Coat (If Necessary)

For medium-sized holes, it’s common to apply a second or even third coat of joint compound to ensure the patch blends seamlessly with the wall. Apply a thin second coat, feather it out, let it dry, and sand again.

7. Prime and Paint

Once the patch is smooth, wipe away any dust and apply a coat of primer. This helps the paint adhere better and ensures that the patch matches the rest of the wall. After the primer dries, paint over the patch with the same color as your wall.

Knowing how to fix holes in drywall that are medium-sized will help you tackle more significant damage from everyday household activities or minor accidents.

How to Fix Large Holes in Drywall (More Than 4 Inches)

Large holes in drywall, typically those over 4 inches in diameter, require more extensive repairs and often involve replacing a section of the drywall. These larger holes may result from major accidents, such as a person falling into the wall, moving large furniture, or damage caused during renovations.

1. Cut Out a Clean Shape Around the Hole

Use a utility knife or a drywall saw to cut out a clean square or rectangular shape around the damaged area. Ensure that the edges of the cut are smooth and free of loose drywall fragments.

2. Measure and Cut a New Drywall Patch

Measure the size of the hole and cut a new piece of drywall to fit snugly into the opening. It’s essential to cut the replacement piece precisely so that it fits without gaps.

3. Attach the Drywall Patch

If the hole is large enough that the drywall patch needs extra support, you’ll need to add a backing piece behind the hole. You can do this by attaching a small piece of wood or furring strip to the inside edges of the hole, securing it with drywall screws. Once the backing is in place, fit the drywall patch into the hole and secure it with screws.

4. Apply Mesh Tape and Joint Compound

Place mesh tape over the seams where the new drywall patch meets the existing wall. This will help reinforce the patch and prevent future cracking. After applying the tape, spread joint compound over the entire patched area, feathering it out over the surrounding wall to create a smooth transition.

5. Let the Joint Compound Dry

As with smaller holes, let the joint compound dry completely before moving on to the next step. Drying times will vary depending on the size of the patch and the thickness of the compound.

6. Sand and Apply Additional Coats

Sand the dried joint compound with 120-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth. For large holes, you may need to apply multiple coats of compound to achieve a seamless finish. After each coat, allow it to dry, sand it smooth, and repeat the process until the patched area is flush with the rest of the wall.

7. Prime and Paint

Once you’re satisfied with the repair, apply a coat of primer to the patched area. This will help the paint adhere better and ensure that the patch matches the surrounding wall. After the primer dries, paint the area with the same color as the rest of the wall. Depending on the size of the patch, you may need to apply multiple coats of paint.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to fix a large hole in drywall and restore your wall to its original condition. Knowing how to fix a big hole in drywall can be especially useful after significant damage, allowing you to avoid the cost of hiring a professional.

How to Fix Specialty Drywall Holes (Corners, Outlets, etc.)

Some drywall repairs may be more complicated, especially when the holes are located in tricky areas like corners, near outlets, or around plumbing. These specialty drywall holes require a slightly different approach to ensure the repair is secure and blends well with the surrounding area.

Corners

When fixing holes near or on a corner, you’ll need to reinforce the corner with a metal or plastic corner bead. This will provide extra support to the corner and help prevent future damage.

1. Cut the damaged section away and clean the area around the corner.
2. Attach a new piece of drywall as necessary.
3. Use a corner bead to reinforce the edge, securing it with drywall screws.
4. Apply joint compound over the corner bead and smooth it out.
5. Let the compound dry, sand it smooth, and apply additional coats as needed.
6. Prime and paint the area to match the rest of the wall.

Outlets and Switches

If you’re repairing drywall around an electrical outlet or switch, ensure that the power is turned off before starting. Cut a patch to fit around the outlet or switch, being careful to avoid damaging any wiring. Apply joint compound as usual, sand, prime, and paint for a seamless finish.

Priming, Sanding, and Painting for a Perfect Finish

Achieving a flawless finish after fixing holes in drywall requires careful priming, sanding, and painting. These steps ensure that the repaired area blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall.

1. Sanding: Always sand the dried joint compound until smooth. Start with 120-grit sandpaper and finish with 220-grit for a finer, smoother surface.
2. Priming: Apply primer to the patched area to create an even surface for painting. This is especially important for larger repairs, as unprimed drywall can absorb paint unevenly, resulting in a patchy finish.
3. Painting: Once the primer is dry, paint over the area using the same color as the surrounding wall. For the best results, apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fixing Drywall Holes

1. Skipping the Primer: Skipping the primer step can lead to a noticeable difference between the patched area and the rest of the wall.
2. Using the Wrong Compound: Be sure to use joint compound rather than plaster or other materials not intended for drywall repair.
3. Rushing the Drying Process: Patience is key. Allow the joint compound to dry completely between coats, or you’ll end up with a lumpy or uneven repair.
4. Not Sanding Enough: Skimping on sanding will leave a rough surface that stands out against the smoothness of the surrounding wall.
5. Using Excessive Joint Compound: Applying too much compound can lead to excess sanding and an uneven surface. Apply thin, even coats for the best results.

Tips for Seamless Repairs

1. Feathering the Joint Compound: Feather the joint compound beyond the edges of the hole to ensure a smooth transition between the patch and the wall.
2. Matching Paint: Be sure to use the exact same paint color as the surrounding wall. A color mismatch, even if slight, can make the repair noticeable.
3. Using Mesh Tape for Large Holes: Mesh tape helps reinforce large patches and prevents cracks from forming along the edges.
4. Multiple Coats for Large Holes: Don’t be afraid to apply multiple coats of joint compound. The goal is to build up the surface gradually to match the surrounding wall.

When to Call a Professional

While fixing holes in drywall is typically a straightforward task, there are situations where hiring a professional may be necessary. If the hole is large enough to require structural repairs, if it’s located near plumbing or wiring, or if the damage is extensive, it may be worth calling in an expert to ensure the job is done correctly.

Conclusion

Fixing holes in drywall, whether small, medium, or large, is a task that can be completed by almost any homeowner with a few tools and a little patience. By understanding how to fix holes in drywall and practicing these techniques, you can keep your walls looking great and avoid costly repairs down the line. Whether you’re patching small holes or learning how to fix a big hole in drywall, following the steps outlined here will help ensure a successful repair.

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