Quickly Fix A Fist-Sized Drywall Hole And Paint Over It

If you've accidentally punched a hole in your drywall, don't panic! It's a common issue that you can fix yourself, without needing to hire a professional. The repair method will depend on the size of the hole. For fist-sized holes, you'll need to use a drywall patch to replace the missing area. You can use scraps of wood to create a secure backing for the drywall to attach to, before cutting a piece of drywall to fit the hole and screwing it in. You can then fill in any gaps with lightweight spackle or drywall mud, and smooth it out with a putty knife, sponge, or sandpaper. Once it's dry, you can paint over the patched area, but you may need a few coats to adequately cover it.

How to fix a fist-sized hole in drywall with paint

Cut a piece of drywall to fit the hole

To fix a hole in drywall, you will need to cut a piece of drywall to fit the hole. Before you start, make sure you know where your electrical wires and utilities are. Turn off the main power before cutting into the wall. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs and mark them with a pencil. Cut a piece of drywall that is slightly smaller than the hole. You can use a carpenter's square to draw a line around the hole, making sure that the piece of drywall you cut out is smaller than this line.

If the hole is larger than 6 inches, you will need to provide more support for the drywall. Cut a piece of wood, such as a trim or 1x pine, so that it extends a couple of inches past the hole on either side. The goal is to create four corners to support the drywall plug. Secure the wood into the wall using screws. This provides a secure backing for the drywall to attach to.

Place the piece of drywall against the hole and screw it into place. You can use a piece of wood, such as a paint stirrer, to provide additional support. Put the wood behind the drywall and drive screws through the wall into it to hold it in place.

Use spackle to fill the hole

Spackle is a great option to fix a hole in drywall. It is a type of putty that dries quickly and shrinks minimally, allowing you to patch minor damage without waiting too long before repainting. You can buy spackle in light-weight, heavy-weight, or hybrid options.

For a hole the size of a fist, you will likely need to use heavyweight spackle. However, if you are only filling a small area, lightweight spackle should be sufficient. If you are unsure, you can always opt for a hybrid spackle that can be used for any project size.

Before applying the spackle, remove any debris from the hole and the surrounding area. You can do this by placing a piece of sandpaper over the hole and rotating it back and forth. This will ensure that the spackle will stick to the wall properly.

Next, you will need to apply the spackle to the hole. Use a putty knife to apply the spackle with a smooth, feathering motion. Make sure to use enough spackle to cover the hole and scrape around the surrounding area. For deeper holes, apply the spackle 1/4 inch deep at a time, allowing it to dry between layers. You can also use an old plastic card if you don't have a putty knife.

Once the spackle is dry, you can sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it out. Brush away any debris and you're ready to paint!

Sand the spackle

Sanding the spackle is an important step in repairing a hole in drywall. It helps to create a smooth and even surface, ensuring that the repaired area blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall. Here is a step-by-step guide to sanding the spackle:

Before you begin sanding, ensure that the spackle is completely dry. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended drying time. It is crucial to let the spackle dry thoroughly, as sanding wet spackle can create an uneven surface and cause the spackle to crumble.

Once the spackle is dry, you can start sanding. For best results, use a fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge with a medium grit on one side and a fine grit on the other. If you are sanding a large area or prefer power tools, you can use a sanding block or a power sander with a dust collection system to minimise mess. Wear a respirator mask, such as a 3M dust mask, to protect yourself from inhaling the dust created during the sanding process.

Start sanding the spackle with gentle, even strokes. Sand in the direction of the grain of the drywall to achieve a smooth and uniform finish. Apply light pressure and work systematically across the repaired area, ensuring that you do not oversand any single spot, which could create an indentation. If you are using a sanding sponge, it is advisable to use the fine grit side for this step to achieve a smoother finish.

As you sand, periodically brush away the debris with a soft brush or a slightly damp cloth. Removing the debris will help you inspect your progress and identify any areas that require further attention. If you notice any imperfections, such as ridges or uneven areas, continue sanding until you achieve a consistent and level surface.

Finally, once you are satisfied with the smoothness of the sanded area, remove any remaining dust with a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner. It is essential to ensure that the surface is entirely free of dust before proceeding to the next step, which is typically applying a coat of primer followed by paint to match the surrounding wall.

Prime and paint the wall

Once you have patched up the hole in your drywall, you will need to prime and paint the wall for a smooth and pristine finish.

Firstly, ensure that the wall is smooth and sanded. Wipe down the wall with a dry or slightly damp rag to remove any dust and dirt. It is important to do this step to ensure that the primer will stick to the wall.

Next, pick a solid primer that is suitable for drywall or wallboard. You can add a little bit of the paint you plan to use to the primer, which will make any imperfections obvious before you paint the whole wall. You can then fill in these imperfections. Alternatively, you can apply a light coat of primer first, which will make indentations more visible, and then fill in the marks.

After applying the primer, wait for it to dry thoroughly. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended drying time.

Finally, apply two coats of your chosen paint. If you have made several patches on the wall or the newly painted repairs stand out, it is best to repaint the entire wall.

Use mesh tape to cover the hole

If you're fixing a hole in drywall with paint, using mesh tape is an option, especially if you're dealing with a larger hole. Mesh tape is a material that might not be readily available at home, so you may need to purchase it from a hardware store. It comes either as a roll or a precut square.

Before applying the mesh tape, it is recommended to sand the area to be patched with sandpaper or a sanding block. This will create a more even surface for the tape to adhere to.

Once the area is prepared, you can begin to apply the mesh tape. Cut the mesh tape to size, ensuring it is slightly larger than the hole to provide adequate coverage. Place the mesh tape over the hole, making sure it completely covers the damaged area. The mesh tape will act as a base for the joint compound, providing added strength to the repair.

After applying the mesh tape, you will need to use a putty knife to spread joint compound or spackling compound over the tape and onto the surrounding drywall. Pay close attention to the seams where the mesh tape meets the drywall, ensuring that the tape is no longer visible. Use the putty knife to flatten and smooth out the compound, creating an even finish.

Let the joint compound dry thoroughly, and then lightly sand the area again to ensure a smooth surface. If needed, you can apply another thin layer of joint compound and repeat the process. Finally, touch up the wall with paint to match the surrounding area, and your repair should be complete.

Frequently asked questions