Patching Drywall Holes: Prepping For A Perfect Paint Job

Drywall is prone to damage, but fortunately, it's easy to fix. Small holes in drywall can be caused by pests, nails, tacks, or even picture frames. Before painting, it's important to repair these holes properly to ensure a smooth finish. The process for patching holes will depend on the size of the hole. For small holes, you can use lightweight spackle, toothpaste, or joint compound to fill the hole, then sand it smooth before painting. For larger holes, you may need to use a drywall patch and joint compound to repair the damage. Knowing how to fix small holes in drywall before painting will ensure your walls look as good as new.

Using spackle to fill small holes

Filling small holes in drywall with spackle is a quick and easy process. Before you begin, ensure you have spackle, a putty knife, and sandpaper. Spackle can be bought in light-weight, heavy-weight, or hybrid options. For small holes, it is best to use lightweight spackle.

First, scrape away any loose debris from the hole. You can do this with your fingers or use sandpaper. If using sandpaper, place it over the hole and rotate it back and forth in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction a few times. This will ensure that the repair area is small. If there are any small fragments sticking out of the wall, sand them down, so the spackle can stick to the wall properly.

Next, use a putty knife to apply the spackle to the damaged area. Make sure the spackle completely fills the hole and is level with the rest of the wall. Use the putty knife to scrape away any excess. Don't worry about getting a perfect finish at this stage; it is okay if there is a little excess spackle left during the drying process. Check the manufacturer's instructions to find out how long the spackle will take to dry. Typically, lightweight spackle dries within 15 to 30 minutes, but it is important to wait the recommended time to get the best results.

Once the spackle is dry, sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. If there are still small holes, apply a second layer of spackle and repeat the process. Generally, three layers of spackle are enough to cover a hole, but you can always apply a fourth layer if needed. However, be careful not to overdo it, as this may cause a small lump in your wall.

Using joint compound to fill small holes

Next, apply the joint compound. Using a putty knife, spread the joint compound or lightweight spackle compound in a crisscross pattern over the patch, feathering the edges so it blends with the wall. To feather the edge, increase pressure and angle on the knife as you reach the outer edges of the patch area to minimise the compound on the drywall.

Let the patch dry for 24 to 48 hours, or as recommended by the manufacturer, and then apply a second coat of compound if needed. Sand the area smooth with sandpaper or a sanding block to blend the repair with the wall. Finish with a coat of primer and let it dry before painting.

For very small holes, such as those caused by nails or tacks, you can simply fill the hole with joint compound or spackle, using your finger or a putty knife. Make sure the hole is completely filled and level with the wall, and then let it dry before sanding and painting.

Using a patch kit for larger holes

If the hole in your drywall is larger than about 1 square foot, a patch kit won't be sufficient to cover the entire hole. Instead, you will need to install a new piece of drywall that is cut to the correct size and shape. This replacement piece of drywall is typically supported by small strips of wood, called furring strips, that are installed inside the wall on either side of the hole, preventing the patch from collapsing into the wall.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to fix larger holes in drywall using a patch kit:

• Cut a piece of drywall into a square that's 2 inches larger in width and height than the area to be repaired.
• Score the back of the drywall with a utility knife about an inch from each side.
• Snap off the gypsum, but leave the paper backing intact.
• Hold the patch over the hole and trace around the gypsum square.
• Cut along the lines on the wall with a drywall saw.
• Before cutting, check the hole for electrical wires. Typically, they are attached to studs.
• Inside the hole, attach a furring strip to either side of the hole with screws. Sink the screws beneath the surface of the drywall.
• Set the drywall patch in place and screw it into the furring strips, again sinking the screws beneath the surface.
• Apply joint tape to the borders of the patch. Joint tape is made of mesh and strengthens the bond between the patch and the wall, reducing movement and helping to prevent future cracks.
• Cover the patch and tape with joint compound, feathering the edges. Allow the compound to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Apply a second coat if needed.
• Sand smooth.
• Prime and paint the patch to match the surrounding walls, or repaint the entire wall if you are worried about the patch standing out.

Sanding the patched area

When sanding the patched area, it is important to wear a respirator and safety goggles to protect yourself from dust and foreign bodies. Before you begin, check that the edges of the hole are smooth.

Use sandpaper or a sanding block to sand the patched area until it is smooth and level with the rest of the wall. You may need to apply a second coat of the joint compound or spackle and let it dry before sanding again. This process may need to be repeated several times until the desired smoothness is achieved. Ensure that each layer is completely dry and sanded before adding another one.

After sanding, wipe away all the dust with a clean rag or a damp cloth. You can now prime and paint the patched area to match the surrounding walls. If you are repairing a large hole on a highly visible wall, it is recommended to repaint the entire wall for a consistent finish.

Painting the patched area

Once the spackle or joint compound is completely dry, you can start painting. If you have leftover paint from a recent paint job, use that. Otherwise, take a paint chip to a home improvement store to get a colour-matched paint.

It generally takes two coats of paint to cover the patched area. If you are patching many holes, you may want to prime the area before painting. Use a high-quality primer to seal the filler and ensure that it doesn't absorb the new paint.

If you have textured drywall, you can create a knock-down finish by mixing four parts joint compound with one part water and flicking the mixture onto the wall with a brush. You can also use a textured spray in a variety of finishes.

If you have several patches on one wall or the newly painted repairs stand out, it's best to repaint the entire wall.

Frequently asked questions