Patching a hole in drywall may seem tricky, but if you follow the right approach and use the appropriate materials, you can tackle that easily. Whether you put a hole or dent in the wall with a heavy object or you’re about to move out of a rental space and need to fill gaps where drywall anchors or nails had been, this guide will walk you through the process using affordable tools.
| Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: Small holes: 30 min-1 hr, Medium to Large holes:1-2 hours (Drying time approx. 24 hrs for medium to large holes) Project cost: $15 to $40 |
Tools You’ll Need
To get started, you’ll need a few essential tools. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
| Item | Purpose |
| Utility knife | Trims loose drywall and creates clean edges |
| Drywall patch | Covers medium-sized holes; can be a self-adhesive mesh or a ready-made patch kit |
| Joint compound (Mud) | Fills and smooths over holes and seams |
| Drywall saw | Cuts out sections for large hole repairs |
| Putty knife | Spreads the joint compound evenly |
| Sandpaper | Smooths the patched area for painting |
| Painter’s tape | Protects surrounding areas while painting |
| Matching paint | Blends the patch with your wall’s existing color |
| Dust mask | Protects you from inhaling dust during sanding |
These items are affordable and easily available at a typical hardware store. Each of these items is essential to make the patching process go smoothly. A drywall patch kit can make your life easier by providing a patch, joint compound, and putty knife in one package. You will need sandpaper and painter’s tape for a clean, professional finish, while a dust mask will help protect against dust particles during sanding.
Step-by-Step Guide to Patching Drywall Holes
Now that you have all the tools you need, let’s walk through the process step by step. Here’s a guide to patching those drywall holes and getting your walls back in shape.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Hole
Not all holes are similar, and how you patch them depends on their size. Here’s how to identify what you’re dealing with:
- Small Holes: These holes are less than 1/2 inch in diameter. The holes are left by nails and screws.
- Medium Holes: These holes range from a few inches in size and are often caused by drywall anchors or minor accidents.
- Large Holes: These holes are over 6 inches in diameter and typically result from significant damage or removing large items.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
Now that you’ve figured out what kind of hole you’re dealing with, it’s time to prepare the area:
| Preparation Step | Purpose |
| Clear the Area | Remove loose drywall to ensure a clean surface |
| Clean the Surface | Wipe away dust and debris for better adhesion of patch and compound |
Preparing the area is vital if you want your repair work to blend in with the surrounding walls. Begin by removing loose drywall from around the opening so that it appears as a clean, even surface. This step is crucial with medium and large holes, as a straight edge will help properly fix and blend in with an adjacent wall.
Step 3: Apply the Patch
Based on how big the hole is, you may need to use different techniques:
| Hole Type | Steps |
| Small | Spread joint compound over the hole with a putty knife. |
| Medium | Apply a self-adhesive patch over the hole, then cover it with the joint compound. |
| Large | Cut out a square around the hole, insert a new piece of drywall, secure it with screws, and tape the seams before covering everything with joint compound. |
Step 4: Apply a Second Coat (If Needed)
For medium to large holes, you might need a second coat of joint compound to fully cover the patch and blend it with the rest of the wall. Apply this second coat like you did the first and smooth the edges.
Step 5: Sand the Area
Allow the joint compound to dry before you start sanding it down. If not, you’ll end up crumbling it while sanding. Begin with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out any ridges, then switch to fine-grit sandpaper for a flawless finish. This step is vital for making the patch blend in seamlessly.
Step 6: Paint the Patch
Paint the area to make the repair invisible.. Tape off around the patch to prevent any paint from being spread outside of this area. Finally, you can paint the patch using a color similar to your wall. If necessary, apply two coats more for a seamless matching look. Once the paint dries, the patch should blend right in.
Step 7: Clean Up
After painting, gently remove the painter’s tape to avoid peeling off any paint. Clean up any remaining dust and debris. Proper cleanup ensures your space is neat and the repair is truly finished.
When to Hire a Pro
Patching small or medium holes in drywall might be a manageable DIY project. But if you’re struggling to fix large holes or extensive drywall damage, reach out to Home Gnome for professional help. We’ll help you connect with a home improvement pro near you who can tackle your drywall issues with precision and care.
What to Read Next
- Different Types of Drywall Anchors
- How to Use Drywall Anchors
- How Do Drywall Anchors Work?
- How to Remove Drywall Anchors
- How Much Weight Can Drywall Hold?
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Photo Credit: fivan / Adobe Stock generated with AI
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