Tools and Materials
Tools
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Overview: Getting Started
Think about the scale of your drywall repair project and the best way to complete it. Depending on the size of the holes you’re fixing, you may be able to make the repair with only spackling compound. For larger holes drywall patches work best. Afterward, you’ll need to paint over the repairs. Consider these points and plan your wall repair purchases accordingly:
- Decide whether you want to repaint the whole wall or just touch up patched areas. If you’re patching tiny nail holes, you can cover up the repairs by dabbing on touch-up paint with a soft cloth.
- If you’re patching a large number of holes and other damage, prime the patched walls before repainting — especially if you’re choosing a semi-gloss or shinier finish. The higher the gloss, the more different surface textures show up between the patch and the surrounding paint.
- Before you begin your drywall repair, it's important to know the utility placement in your home. Typically, electric wires are attached to wall studs. Locate the wall studs before you begin cutting, drilling or nailing drywall.
- Wear protective clothing, work gloves, goggles and a dust mask when working with drywall.
Patch Small Dents and Dings
Here are instructions for covering up dents in drywall.
Step 1: Use Spackling Compound
Cover the dent with fast-drying spackling compound to bring the spackling compound level with the drywall surface.
Step 2: Let the Spackling Dry
Dry times vary. Check the time recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the spackling compound is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Sand
Once the spackling compound has fully dried, use a sanding sponge or sandpaper to smooth the surface. Start with light pressure and increase pressure if needed. Pressing too hard could damage the patch and the surrounding wall. For more help, watch our Video: How Do I Use Sandpaper?
Repair Cracks
Here’s what you need to know to fix drywall cracks.
Step 1: Widen the Crack
Use a utility knife to carefully widen the crack slightly. Clear away loose debris from the crack.
Step 2: Fill In the Crack
Add a thin layer of spackling compound to the crack using a putty knife and smooth it out. For wider cracks, cover with drywall tape first, then apply joint compound over the tape.
Step 3: Let It Dry
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and allow the spackling and joint compound to dry according to those specifics.
Step 4: Sand
Smooth away any rough areas by sanding.
Step 5: Touch Up With Paint
Brush away any dust from sanding, then touch up the wall paint.
Repairing a Popped Nailhead
When a nail head isn't holding in the stud, it can back out of the drywall, leading to a popped nailhead.
Step 1: Reattach the Drywall to the Stud
Drive a drywall screw 1-1/2 inches above the popped nail head into the stud to reattach the drywall to the stud. Sink the screw head just below the surface of the drywall so it can be covered with spackling compound.
Step 2: Drive in the Popped Nail
Use a hammer to drive in the popped nail.
Step 3: Cover, Sand and Smooth
Cover the sunken screw head and nail head with spackling compound until level with the wall surface. Wait 24 hours or the time recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions. Sand smooth.
Fix Small Holes Using a Patch Kit
To fix walls with small holes, like those created by a doorknob, a patch kit may be used. Patch kits have the tools you need to make the drywall repair, including a putty knife, patch and sandpaper. If your repair calls for a larger patch, those are also available.
Step 1: Apply a Self-Adhesive Patch
Place the self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole.
Step 2: Cover the Mesh Patch
Use a drywall knife to cover the patch with spackling compound or lightweight joint compound in a crisscross pattern, feathering the edges so it blends with the wall. To feather the edge, increase pressure and angle on the drywall knife as you reach the outer edges of the patch area to minimize, or thin, the compound on the drywall.
Step 3: Apply a Second Coat of Compound if Necessary
Let the patch dry and apply a second coat of compound if needed. Sand smooth.
Fix Medium Holes
For patching holes in drywall up to 6 inches, use a California Patch. Since you’ll be cutting into the wall, locate any wires and utilities beforehand. Wires are typically attached to wall studs. Use a stud finder to find the studs. Turn off the main power before cutting. See our DIY Basics video How Do I Cut Drywall? for more help.
Step 1: Cut a Drywall Patch
Cut a piece of drywall into a square shape that’s 2 inches larger in width and height than the area to be repaired.
Step 2: Score the Back of the Drywall
Use a utility knife to score the back of the drywall about an inch from each side.
Step 3: Snap Away the Gypsum
Snap off the gypsum but leave the paper backing intact.
Step 4: Trace Around the Gypsum on the Wall
Hold the patch over the hole and trace around the gypsum square. Don't include the paper border in your transfer. Cut out the traced square with a drywall saw.
Before cutting, check the hole for electrical wires. Typically, they are attached to studs.
Step 5: Use Joint Compound and Insert the Gypsum
Apply joint compound to the back of the paper border. Fit the gypsum into the new hole and press the paper edges coated with joint compound into place along the outside edge of the hole.
Step 6: Apply Joint Compound Over the Patch
Cover the entire patch with joint compound until the lines are camouflaged, feathering the edges.
Step 7: Reapply a Second Coat of Compound if Needed
This patch may require two coats of compound, with dry time in between coats. Sand smooth once the compound dries.
Fix Large Holes
For repairing holes in drywall larger than 6 inches, you'll create a drywall patch with a different attachment method for the repair.
This fix requires cutting into the wall, so you’ll need to locate the electrical wires and utilities behind the wall. Wires are typically attached to wall studs. Use a stud finder to find the studs. Turn off the main power supply before you cut.
Ideally, you’ll want to cut out a hole that’s big enough to expose a wall stud because you’ll use the wall stud to attach the new piece of drywall. If that’s not possible, you’ll need to use furring strips to help attach the patch to the wall. These steps detail a patch repair with furring strips.
Step 1: Cut Out a Piece of Drywall to Use as the Patch
Cut a piece of drywall into a square a little bit bigger than the hole.
Step 2: Trace the Patch Size Over the Hole
Hold the square over the hole in the drywall and trace around the edges.
Step 3: Cut Out the Hole
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.
Step 4: Attach Furring Strips Inside the Hole
Inside the hole, attach a furring strip — a small, thin piece of wood — to either side of the hole with screws. Sink the screws beneath the surface of the drywall.
Step 5: Attach the Patch to the Furring Strips
Set the drywall patch in place and screw it into the furring strips, sinking the screws beneath the surface of the drywall.
Step 6: Apply Joint Tape Around the Patch
Apply joint tape to the borders of the patch, centering the tape on the seams. Joint tape is made of mesh and strengthens the bond between the patch and the wall, reducing movement and helping to prevent future cracks.
Step 7: Apply Joint Compound
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. Touch up with paint.
Corner Bead Patches
Corner bead is used where two pieces of drywall meet to form a corner. Corner bead is available in a variety of materials, including metal, paper and vinyl.
Step 1: Cut Through the Damaged Corner Bead
Cut the damaged corner bead horizontally, both above and below the mar, with a hack saw.
Step 2: Cut the Drywall to Reveal Damaged Corner Bead
Use a utility knife to cut vertically along the drywall, connecting the top and bottom cuts from the hack saw on the left and right sides. Remove the damaged piece.
Step 3: Snip a New Piece of Corner Bead
Cut a new piece of corner bead to fill the gap and attach it to the wall with nails or the manufacturer’s recommended fastener or adhesive.
Step 4: Use Joint Compound on the Corner Bead
Apply joint compound to both sides of the corner, covering the bead patch to smooth rough edges and cover any seams, feathering the edges. Let dry and sand smooth.
Finish the Repair
You're almost done. Here's where you make it look like nothing happened.
Step 1: Lightly Sand the Wall
Finish all drywall patch repairs with a final light sanding to ensure a satin smooth finish and seamless blending between the patch and the wall.
Step 2: Apply a Coat of Primer
Cover the area with a coat of primer and let dry.
Step 3: Paint the Wall
Complete the project by painting over the primer.
Repair Textured Drywall
Textured drywall is a bit more complicated, but still simple to repair.
Step 1: Prepare to Sand the Patch Area
Sand your patch area smooth. In a small bowl, mix 4 parts joint compound and 1 part water. Dip a stiff brush into the mixture and hold it close to the wall, bristles up.
Step 2: Apply the Compound Using the “Flicking” Method
Flick the mixture onto the wall by running a gloved finger across the surface of the bristles. Typically, the faster the flicking motion the smaller the particles on the wall.
Practice and perfect the flicking motion on a scrap board before applying to your wall.
Step 3: Lightly Flatten the Flicked Particles
For a knock-down finish — one where a trowel presses joint compound down to form a texture that's more mottled than a flat wall — lightly flatten the particles with a knife as the compound mixture begins to dry.
Step 4: Use Wall Texture Spray as an Alternative
Instead of flicking the compound, you can use textured spray in a variety of finishes. Shake the can and spray the patch area in a circular motion 6-18 inches from the wall.
Step 5: Complete the Project
Let the textured compound dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then prime and paint the surface.
Want to Try Repairing Drywall?
If you have some basic DIY experience and a weekend to dedicate to the project, making simple drywall repairs yourself is definitely doable. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you along the way:
- The project will take time. Be sure to allow proper drying time for each layer of drywall mud, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always sand between coats. This ensures a smooth finish and helps each layer adhere properly to the one beneath it.
- You’ll need the right tools. See below for some reliable drywall products Lowe’s customers trust.
