How to Fill Holes in Walls: A Pro's Guide for Every Size Repair

You just moved into your new home, and the old owners left a few surprise presents: holes in the wall. Throughout every room and hallway, there are a handful of these ugly eyesores. Fortunately, holes are relatively easy to repair with the right tools and know-how. Here's how to fill holes in the wall professionally, without leaving a noticeable trace.

Quick Fixes for Nail Holes and Minor Surface Dents

Nail holes and small surface dents are easy to fix by yourself. If you have a variety of different-sized holes to repair, start with these first. That way, you can get a feel for the process before moving on to bigger repairs.

To fix nail holes in drywall that are less than 1/4 inch in diameter, gather the appropriate materials: a bucket of lightweight spackle and a stiff putty knife. Among the different types of spackle, lightweight works best for small hole repairs because of its quick drying capability and general ease of use.

Start by scraping any material or debris left behind by the nail or screw. Scrape in different directions to avoid missing any residue. The goal is to create a smooth surface without noticeable bumps.

Next, use the handle of the putty knife to lightly press down around the hole. Don't press too hard — you don't want to make the hole bigger. Press just hard enough to create a small dimple in the drywall. The filler material will sit in the dimple, staying flush with the wall.

Apply a pea-sized amount of spackle to the putty knife to avoid overfilling, and gently spread it across the area. Use the putty knife to smooth the spackle in the hole until it's even. You can always add more spackle if necessary, but stick with small amounts to prevent unsightly bumps.

Give the spackle time to dry and set. A second application may be necessary if the hole isn't fully filled or appears uneven. If you're happy with the results, lightly sand the area to smooth the surface before painting.

Mastering Medium Repairs With Joint Compound and Feathering

What if the hole is larger — say, a 1/2 inch? In this scenario, you'll need an all-purpose compound instead of lightweight spackle. Compound is sometimes referred to as drywall mud or mud. It's stronger than spackle, so it's less susceptible to damage if something hits the wall. Another item to have handy in your drywall tool collection is a flexible joint knife. 

The process for filling a medium hole is similar to that of smaller repairs. Take these steps:

1. Use a stiff putty knife to scrape debris from around the hole.
2. Apply a small amount of compound to a putty knife.
3. Spread the compound into the hole and its surrounding area. 
4. Repeat steps two and three until the compound fully covers the hole.
5. Give the compound adequate time to fully dry and set. 

The all-purpose compound shrinks after it dries, requiring a second application. This time around, use a four to six-inch flexible joint knife to apply a thin amount of compound. Then, spread the compound over the patch and slightly beyond the area. This process is known as spreading and feathering.

Continue to blend the compound until it seamlessly aligns with the wall. Wait up to 24 hours before applying paint.

Structural Repairs for Large Holes and Significant Damage

Patching a hole in a wall that's larger than a golf ball requires sturdy back support and replacement drywall. Begin by carving out the affected area in the shape of a square using a jab saw, which is specially designed for cutting drywall.

Next, insert two pieces of wood into the hole. Place them lengthwise on the left and right-hand sides and attach them using screws. Each screw should embed slightly beneath the wall's surface.

Cut a piece of drywall to fit within the hole. Leave a small amount of room between the wall and the square. It doesn't have to be a perfect fit. Secure the drywall patch to the wood using screws.

Apply an initial layer of joint compound using a flexible joint knife. The goal is to cover the seams between the patch and the wall. After the compound dries, cover the seams with mesh tape. 

Next, apply a second layer of joint compound throughout the patch area. Press the compound into the mesh so that it forms a smooth layer. Smooth and feather the patch for a clean finish. To see the entire process from start to finish, watch the video below: 

Using a professional-grade drywall hole repair kit (like the one from Hyde Tools) combines the equipment you need in a single package.

Choosing the Right Compound for Your Repair Environment

Two common types of compound are used in drywall repairs: all-purpose standard and setting drywall joint (sometimes called "hot mud"). But which one is the best filler for large holes in walls?

All-purpose standard compound is pre-mixed and versatile. It comes in tubes and is easy to apply. However, standard compound tends to shrink as it dries, so it may require multiple applications to get the job done.

Hot mud comes in powder form, which is mixed with water to form the compound. Professionals often prefer hot mud for its quick drying times and minimal shrinkage. It's possible to buy hot mud with drying times of 20 minutes or less. 

Humidity can affect drying times. If you're working in a humid environment, the compound may require extra time to dry and set. Lightly touch the area to verify its dryness before applying additional layers.

Pro Finishing Secrets for Invisible Wall Repairs

Large holes may require multiple layers of compound to fully cover and secure the repair. Review how to mud drywall to avoid unsightly bumps from mesh tape and seams.

The final steps of wall hole repair include sanding and priming. Generally, 180-220 grit sandpaper is best for smoothing walls before applying a primer. It's fine enough to avoid scratching. Lightly sand the area for an even finish.

Using a primer helps minimize flashing, which occurs when paint appears uneven. Apply the primer over the repair area before attempting to paint it.

The Better Finish™ Wall Repair Patch Kit from Hyde Tools includes everything you need for hole repairs. Within the package, you'll find a six-inch joint knife, joint compound, applicator, and sandpaper. Add one of our durable Hyde putty knives for a well-rounded wall repair kit that delivers consistent feathering and professional results.