Repairing Drywall Holes: Patch, Prime, And Paint

Drywall is easy to hang, drill into, and paint, but it can also be damaged relatively easily. Fortunately, small holes in drywall are simple to fix and only require a few tools. The process for patching holes depends on the size of the hole, but most drywall repairs consist of fixing small dents, nail and screw holes, cracks, and popped nail heads. This type of damage is minor and can be taken care of quickly and easily.

How to fix a small hole in drywall with paint

Prepare the hole by scraping away loose debris

To fix a small hole in drywall with paint, you must first prepare the hole by scraping away loose debris. This is an important step because if fragments are left on the wall, the spackle won't stick properly. Use 150-grit sandpaper and rotate it back and forth clockwise and counterclockwise a few times. If the drywall isn't damaged too badly, you can use 100-grit sandpaper. You can also use a putty knife to remove any lingering fragments that the sandpaper couldn't remove. Angle the putty knife against the wall and scrape up and down.

If you are patching a small area, like a nail hole, push the drywall in with your thumb or the base of a screwdriver, then spackle over the indent. Use lightweight spackle to fill the hole, making sure it is level with the rest of the wall. Use your finger or a putty knife to apply the spackle. You can also use an old plastic credit card or gift card if you don't have a putty knife.

Allow the spackle to dry for 15 to 30 minutes, or the time recommended by the manufacturer. Once dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the area smooth. Brush away any remaining debris and you are ready to touch up the paint.

Use spackle to fill the hole

Filling a small hole in drywall with spackle is a quick and easy process. It is important to first clean the area, scraping away any loose debris, drywall, or paint. If there is any loose material around the hole, use the base of a putty knife to gently press it down, so the hole is more like an entrance wound than an exit wound. This will help the spackle stay in place.

Next, use a putty knife to push spackle into the hole, swiping to make the spackle flush with the wall. Be careful not to overwork the spackle. If the hole is very small, you can use your finger to apply the spackle. Make sure the spackle completely fills the hole and is level with the rest of the wall.

Allow the spackle to dry fully. Depending on the manufacturer, this could take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, 24 hours, or even overnight. If the spackle has dried and there are still low spots, you can apply more spackle, building it up. Once the spackle is dry, sand the area smooth with sandpaper or a sanding block. If you want to paint the patch, it is recommended to prime the area first. You can then paint over the patch, making sure to use a colour that matches the surrounding wall.

Sand the spackle smooth

After applying spackle to a small hole in drywall, it's important to sand the spackle smooth to ensure a seamless repair. This process involves using sandpaper or a sanding block to create a smooth surface that blends in with the surrounding wall. Here are some detailed steps and tips for sanding spackle smooth:

• Allow the spackle to dry: Before sanding, make sure the spackle is completely dry. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended drying time, which is typically around 15 to 30 minutes for spackle and 24 to 48 hours for joint compound.
• Choose the right sanding tool: You can use sandpaper, a sanding block, or a sanding sponge specifically designed for drywall sanding. Sanding sponges are convenient, cost-effective, and easy to use, especially in tight corners and ceilings. They usually have different grit levels on each side, allowing you to start with the medium grit for removing excess spackle and then switch to the fine grit for smoothing.
• Sand with light pressure: Apply light and steady pressure when sanding. Use a sweeping or overlapping back-and-forth motion to smooth out the spackle. Focus on creating an even surface that blends with the wall.
• Practice on a small area first: Before tackling the entire repair, it's a good idea to practice sanding on a small area. This will help you get a feel for the technique and adjust your pressure and motion as needed.
• Feather the edges: Feathering is a technique where you use circular passes with the sanding tool to create a smooth transition between the repaired area and the surrounding wall. This helps to avoid any noticeable edges or texture differences.
• Control dust: Dry sanding creates more dust than wet sanding, so consider your work area and protect yourself and the surrounding surfaces from excess dust. Wet sanding with a sponge can help reduce dust, but it may not be as effective at levelling out humps and creating a perfectly smooth finish.
• Repaint for a seamless look: After sanding, you can apply paint to match the surrounding wall. Make sure to use matching paint or work with a home improvement store to mix a colour-matched paint. Touch-ups can help achieve a "like-it-never-happened" finish.

Remember, it's important to take your time and practice to achieve the best results. Sanding spackle smooth is a crucial step in repairing small holes in drywall, ensuring a seamless and invisible repair.

Prime the patch

Once you've patched the drywall, you'll need to prime the patch before painting. Priming the patch will ensure that the paint adheres properly and that the patch blends in with the surrounding wall.

Before priming, it's important to prepare the surface by sanding it smooth. Use a sanding block or sandpaper to sand down any high spots or rough areas on the patch. This will create a smooth, even surface for the primer to adhere to. Make sure to wipe away any sanding dust with a clean rag or tack cloth before priming.

When choosing a primer, opt for one that is suitable for use on drywall and that matches the colour of your wall as closely as possible. You may need to work with a paint specialist to colour-match the primer to your wall colour. It's worth investing time and effort into getting an accurate colour match, as a primer that doesn't match your wall colour may end up standing out and requiring additional coats of paint to cover.

Apply the primer to the patched area using a brush, roller, or spray, following the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to painting.

If you have multiple patches on one wall or if the newly primed area stands out from the rest of the wall, consider priming the entire wall for a consistent finish.

Paint the wall

Painting the wall is the final step in repairing a hole in drywall. Before painting, it is important to prepare the wall by patching the hole and ensuring the surface is smooth. This can be done using a variety of methods, including spackle, joint compound, or a patch kit.

Once the hole has been patched and the compound or spackle has dried, it is important to sand the area to create a smooth surface. This can be done using sandpaper, a sanding block, or a drywall sanding sponge. It is important to wear a respirator and safety goggles when sanding to protect yourself from dust and debris.

After sanding, it is time to prime the wall. Priming will help to create a smooth and even surface for the paint to adhere to. It is especially important to prime the wall if you are patching many holes or if the repair is on a highly visible wall.

Finally, you can paint the wall using a colour that matches the surrounding area. It is recommended to use leftover paint from the previous project if you have it, or you can work with a home improvement store to colour-match the paint. It generally takes two coats of paint to adequately cover the patched area, as the joint compound readily absorbs paint.

If you are using textured drywall, the process is a bit more complicated. You can create a textured appearance by using a flicking motion with a stiff brush and a mixture of joint compound and water, or by using a wall texture spray.

Frequently asked questions