How to fix a hole in the wall like a pro: An easy DIY guide

Drywall gets damaged easily. Think doorknobs slamming, nails and screws pulled out, or furniture scuffs from a quick rearrange.

Whether it’s a small dent or a gaping hole, wall damage happens. The good news? You don’t need a pro to sort it out. Here’s how to fix a hole in the wall step by step, no matter the size.

Assessing the damage

Before you repair a hole in the wall, assess the damage properly. First, determine the size and type of hole. Nails or screws cause small holes and are less than an inch. Medium holes are 2 to 4 inches wide, caused by doorknobs or large pests. Large holes are typically larger than 4 inches in diameter and are caused by furniture or appliances slamming into the wall.

Next, identify the wall material as it determines the product you’ll use for the repair. Most modern homes have drywall, which can be repaired with joint compound, spackle, and new drywall. However, if you're working with plaster, which is often found in older homes, the repair will require a latex bonding agent and plaster compound.

Once you’ve assessed the size of the hole and the wall material, gather the necessary tools and materials. You'll need a spackle compound, a putty knife, sandpaper, and matching paint for small holes. Medium holes require mesh patches, joint compound, a putty knife, sandpaper, and paint. Large holes call for drywall pieces, drywall screws, backing support (like wood strips), drywall joint tape, a putty knife, joint compound, sandpaper, and paint.

Now, you’re ready to tackle any wall repair.

How to fix a small hole in the wall

Small holes in the wall are usually caused by nails or screws from the installation of televisions or picture frames, pests like termites, or just minor dents. This method is great for dealing with such small holes.

Step 1: Clean the area

Use a utility knife to remove any loose or jagged edges around the hole to ensure a smooth surface for the repair.

Step 2: Apply spackle or wall putty

Next, use a putty knife to apply a thin layer of spackle or wall putty to the hole. Press some putty into the hole and smooth it to level with the surrounding wall.

Step 3: Let it dry

Allow the spackle or wall putty to cure completely. Depending on the size of the hole, this usually takes 2 to 3 hours. Ensure it’s completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Sand the area smooth

Lightly sand the patched area with a drywall sanding sponge. The goal is to have a smooth surface leveling with the rest of the wall.

Step 5: Repeat if necessary

If the hole isn’t filled, apply another layer of spackle, let it dry, and sand again.

Step 6: Clean and paint

Once you’re happy with the patch's smoothness, clean the area with a clean rag to remove dust. Then, use a matching paint to paint over the repair and blend with the rest of the wall.

How to fix a medium hole in the wall

Medium holes are more prominent than small nail holes but not as large as those requiring a drywall replacement. They are typically a few inches wide and caused by accidents like doorknobs or furniture bumps.

Step 1: Clean the area

Use a utility knife or a brush to remove loose drywall pieces, debris, and dust. This will ensure a clean surface for the repair process.

Step 2: Apply a self-adhesive mesh patch or metal patch

Apply the patch over the hole and press firmly to ensure it covers the entire hole with some overlap.

Step 3: Apply joint compound

Once the patch is in place, use a putty knife to apply a generous amount of joint compound over the patch. Smooth it evenly so the compound covers the entire patch and blends with the surrounding wall. Feather the edges to make it easier to sand later.

Step 4: Let it dry, then sand

Let the compound dry completely, then sand with a drywall sponge or fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the patched area.

Step 5: Reapply if necessary, then paint

If the patched area still shows signs of the hole or has uneven spots, apply another layer of joint compound, let it dry, and sand again. Repeat this process until the surface is perfectly smooth. Once satisfied, clean the area with a clean rag, then paint the patch with matching paint to blend it with the surrounding wall.

How to fix a large hole in the wall

Large holes are typically caused by a child running into the wall or severe water damage. They require installing a new drywall patch. Here’s how to fix a big hole in the wall.

Step 1: Cut out the damaged section

Use a framing square to draw a square or rectangle around the hole, then carefully cut along the lines with a drywall saw.

Step 2: Attach support behind the hole

Cut and insert wood strips behind the hole, securing them with screws to provide a frame for the new drywall.

Step 3: Cut and secure a new piece of drywall

Measure and cut a new piece of drywall to fit, leaving a small 1/8-inch gap between the new piece and the existing drywall. Secure it with drywall screws.

Step 4: Tape the seams and apply the joint compound

Apply drywall tape to the seams and smooth out joint compound over it. Feather the edges to blend the patch into the surrounding wall and allow it to dry, applying additional layers if needed.

Step 5: Let it dry, sand, prime, and paint

Once the joint compound is dry, use a sanding sponge or fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the patched area. Be careful not to oversand. Next, wipe away any dust with a clean rag and cover the area with a coat of primer. When the primer is dried, paint over the repair with matching paint, adding as many coats as needed.

What to use to fix a hole in the wall

The materials you use will depend on the hole size and the repair type. Here’s a quick overview of the essential materials needed:

• Spackle for small holes.
• Wood strips for support.
• Paint to blend the patch.
• Drywall piece for large holes.
• Joint compound for large repairs.
• Drywall screws for securing drywall.
• Mesh patches for medium/large holes.
• Sandpaper or sanding sponge for smoothing
• Putty knife for applying spackle, joint compound, or drywall mud.

Additional tips for a flawless repair

When fixing a hole in the wall, getting a flawless repair means ensuring the patched area blends seamlessly with the rest of the wall. Here are some tips to help achieve that finish:

• Match the wall texture for a seamless look.
• Let each layer dry completely before moving to the next step.
• Feather out the paint to blend the repair into the surrounding wall.
• Clean the area before painting to remove any dust or debris from sanding.
• Apply thin layers of compound or spackle to avoid bulges or uneven texture.
• Use the right materials for the job—spackle for small holes and drywall for larger repairs.
• Sand thoroughly after applying joint compound or spackle to achieve a smooth surface.

FAQs about fixing a hole in the wall

Can I fix a hole in the wall without sanding?

Sanding is crucial as it helps to smooth out the area, remove any bumps or ridges, and ensure that the repair blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall. However, you can skip this step if you're dealing with a very small hole or trying to match a textured wall.

How long should I wait before painting over the repair?

You should wait until the repair is completely dry and cured before painting over it. Typically, this means waiting at least 2 to 3 hours, but it may take longer for more extensive repairs or thicker layers to cure fully. You can use a fan to improve air circulation and quicken drying time.

What’s the easiest way to fix a big hole in the wall?

The easiest way to fix a big hole in the wall is to cut the damaged area into a clean shape, add support behind the hole with wood strips, and then cut and attach a piece of drywall to fit the hole. Tape the seams with drywall tape and apply the joint compound. Once dry, sand the area, then prime and paint.

Final thoughts on how to fix a hole in the wall

Patching up a hole in the wall is a task you can do on your own. The process is straightforward, and you can fix holes of various sizes using the recommended tools, materials, and steps outlined in this article. The key is to match the repair method to the hole size and apply your compound or spackling evenly for the best finish.