A doorknob swings too hard, an anchor rips out, or you move a picture and find a row of nail holes. Holes in drywall happen in every home. The patch itself is easy. Making it invisible after painting is the part most people get wrong. This guide shows how to patch drywall yourself and then paint it so nobody can tell where the damage was.
Tools and Materials for Drywall Repair
- Lightweight spackle and all-purpose joint compound
- 2-inch and 6-inch putty knives
- Self-adhesive mesh patch for medium holes
- Drywall scrap, drywall saw and screws for large holes
- Sanding sponge (120 and 220 grit)
- Stain-blocking primer, matching paint, a small roller and brush
New to these tools? Our list of DIY tools for beginners covers everything here.
How to Patch Small Drywall Holes
Nail and screw holes up to about half an inch are the easiest fix.
- Scrape off loose paper and dust with the putty knife.
- Press a little lightweight spackle into the hole and scrape it flush.
- Let it dry, then sand lightly with a fine sponge.
Overfilling is the most common mistake. Keep the spackle flat against the wall so you’re not sanding a bump later.
How to Fix Medium Holes in Drywall
For holes from half an inch to about 4 inches, use a mesh patch.
- Trim ragged edges with a utility knife.
- Stick the mesh patch over the hole with at least an inch of overlap.
- Spread a thin coat of joint compound over it with the 6-inch knife, feathering the edges.
- After it dries, add a second, wider coat. Sand between coats.
How to Repair Large Drywall Holes
Bigger damage needs new drywall.
- Cut a clean square around the hole with a drywall saw. Check for wires and pipes first.
- Screw two wood strips inside the opening as backing.
- Cut drywall to fit, screw it to the backing and cover the seams with mesh tape.
- Apply three thin coats of compound, each one wider than the last.
Sanding for a Smooth Finish
Hold a flashlight flat against the wall. The low light shows ridges and dips you can’t see head-on. Sand gently and don’t dig into the paper face of the drywall. Wipe the dust off with a damp cloth before priming.
How to Paint Over a Drywall Patch
This is where the pros make it look easy.
Prime the Patch First
Bare compound soaks up paint differently from the rest of the wall. Without primer, you’ll see a dull spot called “flashing.” Brush or roll primer over the patch and let it dry.
Match the Texture and Sheen
If your walls have texture, a spray-can texture product helps blend the repair. Use the same paint sheen as the wall. Satin over flat stands out immediately.
Feather the Paint
Use a small roller, not a brush, and roll paint slightly past the primed area. Lighten your pressure as you move outward so the edge fades into the wall. Two thin coats beat one heavy one. If the old paint has faded, painting the whole wall corner to corner gives the most even result.
Common Drywall Repair Mistakes
- Applying one thick coat of compound instead of several thin ones
- Painting before the compound is completely dry
- Skipping primer on the repair
- Sanding too hard and fuzzing the drywall paper
Next Steps for Your Walls
Once the patch is done, you might want to repaint the whole room. Our guide on how to paint a room like a pro covers cutting in and rolling. If you’re rehanging something heavy, read how to hang a heavy mirror on drywall so it stays up this time. Drywall patching is also one of our favorite weekend DIY projects under $50.
