Quickly Patching Staple Holes In Drywall: No Paint Needed!

Drywall is a versatile construction material used for building walls and ceilings. It is composed of sheets of gypsum board, cement, and sandpaper. When it comes to filling staple holes in drywall without painting, there are several quick and easy methods available. One option is to use lightweight spackle, which is easy to apply and can be smoothed off with a damp cloth after it dries. Another option is to use a mixture of mud and water, or simply drywall mud, and sand it down. For small holes, some people have found success using toothpaste or a bar of white soap.

Use lightweight spackle

If you're looking to fill staple holes in drywall without painting, lightweight spackle is a great option. It is easy to apply, will almost disappear in small pinholes, and can be smoothed off with a damp cloth about 15 minutes after application.

To start, you'll want to prep the area by sanding it down to the drywall. This will ensure a smooth surface for the spackle to adhere to. Once you have a smooth surface, simply use your finger to apply a small amount of lightweight spackle to each hole, filling them completely. It is important to work quickly as spackle dries fast.

After filling the holes, use a damp cloth to smooth off any excess spackle from the surrounding area. This will ensure that only the holes are filled and the surrounding drywall remains untouched. If you find that the spackle has dried before you can smooth it off, you can use sandpaper or a sanding block to gently sand down any excess.

Keep in mind that lightweight spackle may not perfectly match the colour of your drywall, especially if it contains grey bits of paper. If colour matching is important to you, consider adding a small amount of vanilla extract to the spackle to better match off-white walls, or a bit of white toothpaste to match brighter walls.

Use toothpaste

Toothpaste is a quick fix for small holes in drywall. It is a common solution used by renters to fill nail holes and get their security deposit back.

To use toothpaste to fill staple holes in drywall, start by ensuring the area is clean and dry. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste into the hole, taking care not to apply too much pressure and damage the surrounding drywall. Use a small tool, such as a toothpick or a bobby pin, to push the toothpaste into the hole and create a smooth, even surface.

It is important to note that toothpaste may not be the most durable option for filling holes, as it can shrink when it dries and may be difficult to sand down. If you choose to use toothpaste, it is recommended to use a white toothpaste that will blend in with the drywall and avoid gel-based toothpastes, which may not dry as hard.

Once the toothpaste is in place, use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess and create a smooth finish. Allow the toothpaste to dry completely, which may take several hours. If needed, you can touch up the area with paint to better match the surrounding drywall.

Apply a skim coat of mud

If you have a lot of staple holes in your drywall, applying a skim coat of mud is a quick and easy way to fill them without having to fill each hole individually.

To start, you'll need to prep the area by sanding it down to the drywall. This will ensure that the mud adheres properly and creates a smooth base for your skim coat. Once you've sanded the area, you'll need to mix your mud according to the instructions on the package.

When applying the skim coat, use a putty knife or a trowel to spread a thin, even layer of mud over the holes. You can apply the mud in large sweeps, covering multiple holes at once. Make sure to fill the holes completely and use enough mud to create a smooth surface. It's okay if there is a little excess mud during the drying process, as you can sand it down later.

Let the mud dry completely before continuing. Depending on the product you use, you may need to apply a second coat of mud. Follow the instructions on the package to determine if this is necessary. After the final coat of mud has dried, use a sanding block or sandpaper to smooth the area until it's flush with the wall.

Applying a skim coat of mud is a simple and effective way to fill staple holes in drywall without painting. With a little time and effort, you can easily repair your drywall and have it looking smooth and even again.

Sand the area

Sanding the area is an important step in filling staple holes in drywall without painting. It helps to create a smooth and even surface, ensuring that the repair blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall. Here is a step-by-step guide to sanding the area:

Start by using a sanding block or sandpaper to gently sand the area around the staple hole. This will roughen the surface, creating a better base for the filler to adhere to. It is important to be careful and not apply too much pressure, as you only want to sand the immediate area around the hole, not the surrounding paint.

Once you have sanded the area, remove any dust or debris with a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner. This step is crucial, as any remaining dust can affect the smoothness of the final result.

After the area is clean and dry, it's time to apply the filler. You can use lightweight spackle, drywall mud, or a similar compound. With your finger, gently fill the hole, ensuring that you leave as little filler as possible on the outside of the hole. It is important to work quickly, as spackle starts to dry within 15 minutes.

Let the filler dry completely. Depending on the product you use, this may take some time. Make sure not to touch or disturb the area during this drying period.

Once the filler is dry, use a sanding block or sandpaper to gently sand the area until it is completely smooth. Sand in a circular motion, being careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don't want to sand away too much of the filler.

Finally, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth, and your staple hole repair is complete! The sanded area should now be smooth and even, blending seamlessly with the surrounding wall.

Use filler strips

Filler strips are a quick and easy way to repair small wall damage and can restore your wall to its original state while saving you time and money.

Before starting the project, consult a drywall contractor to determine the size and location of the hole. Then, prep the area by sanding it down to the drywall.

Next, you will need to mix the filler according to the instructions provided. Apply the filler to the hole, then use a putty knife to smooth it out. Make sure the filler is completely dry before applying a second coat of joint compound.

Finally, sand the area until it is completely smooth.

Frequently asked questions