Drywall holes happen from door knobs, nails, or accidents. They make walls look bad. You can fix them at home with basic tools. This guide covers small to large holes. Follow the steps to get smooth walls fast. Most repairs take under an hour. You save money by doing it yourself.
Types of Drywall Holes and When to Fix Them
Holes come in different sizes. Know the type to pick the right method. Small ones need little work. Large ones take more time but still stay simple.
Small Drywall Holes
These are under 1/4 inch wide. Think nail holes or tiny dents. They form from hanging pictures or furniture bumps. Fix them in minutes with spackle.
Medium Drywall Holes
These measure 1/4 to 6 inches across. Door knobs often cause them. Pets or kids might too. Use a patch for support.
Large Drywall Holes
Over 6 inches wide. Impacts or removed fixtures make these. Cut a new piece to fit. Add backing for strength.
People often ask: How do I fix a doorknob hole in drywall? Start with a mesh patch over it. Then cover with compound. It blends right in.
Tools and Materials You Need
Gather these items before you start. Most cost under $20 at a hardware store. Check your local shop for fresh stock.
- Putty knife (2-inch and 6-inch sizes)
- Utility knife or drywall saw
- Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit) or sanding sponge
- Joint compound or lightweight spackle
- Self-adhesive mesh tape or patch kit
- Drywall screws and drill
- Furring strips or backing board (for large holes)
- Primer and matching paint
- Drop cloth and painter’s tape
- Dust mask and gloves
For sanding, see our guide on best sanders for smooth finishes. New homeowners, check must-have tools for basics.
How to Fix Small Drywall Holes Step by Step
Small holes go fast. No patch needed. You finish in 15 minutes.
- Clean the hole. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth.
- Press spackle into the hole with a putty knife. Fill it full.
- Smooth the surface. Wipe off extra spackle.
- Let it dry for 30 minutes. Check the label.
- Sand lightly until flat. Use 220-grit paper.
- Wipe dust. Prime if needed. Paint to match.
Related search: How to fill nail holes in drywall before painting? Use spackle just like this. It holds paint well.
Patching Medium Drywall Holes the Easy Way
Medium holes need a patch for hold. This method works for doorknob size. Total time: 45 minutes plus drying.
- Sand around the hole. Make edges smooth.
- Cut a mesh patch bigger than the hole. Stick it over the damage.
- Spread joint compound over the patch. Cover it thin. Feather out to the wall.
- Let dry for 1-2 hours. Add a second layer if bumpy.
- Sand smooth. Start with 120-grit, finish with 220-grit.
- Clean dust. Prime the spot. Paint over it.
People also ask: Can I repair drywall without mesh tape? Yes, but tape gives better strength. It stops cracks later.
For paint tips after, read our best interior paint brands post.
Steps to Repair Large Drywall Holes at Home
Large holes need backing. Use the California patch trick for speed. No full cut-out. Takes 1 hour plus drying.
- Cut the hole square with a utility knife. Make it clean.
- From a scrap board, cut two furring strips longer than the hole.
- Screw the strips behind the wall. Use long screws through the drywall.
- Cut a drywall patch to fit inside the hole. Leave a 1-inch overlap.
- Screw the patch to the strips. It sits flush.
- Tape seams with mesh tape. Cover with joint compound.
- Apply two or three thin layers. Dry between each (24 hours per layer).
- Sand the final coat. Prime and paint the area.
Question from searches: How to fix a large hole in drywall ceiling? Same steps, but work from a ladder. Support the patch well to avoid sagging.
For more on wall prep, link to external guide at Lowe’s drywall repair.
Finishing Your Drywall Repair: Sanding and Painting
A good finish hides the work. Do this right for flat walls.
- Sand in circles. Keep light pressure.
- Vacuum dust often. It stops mess.
- Apply primer over the patch. Wait 1 hour.
- Paint with two coats. Use a roller for even color.
- For textured walls, spray texture after compound dries.
People ask: Do I need to paint the whole wall after patching? Not always. Spot paint works for small fixes. But match light by doing the full wall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Drywall Repairs
Skip these to save time.
- Rushing dry time. Wait full hours or cracks form.
- Thick compound layers. Thin ones dry faster and smoother.
- Skipping primer. It stops paint soak-in.
- Heavy sanding. It shows the patch.
Related: How much does drywall repair cost DIY? Under $30 for materials. Pros charge $100 plus.
Quick Tips for Lasting Drywall Fixes
- Work in good light. Spot flaws early.
- Buy pre-mixed compound. It stays fresh.
- Test paint on scrap first. Colors shift dry.
- For ceilings, tape off areas below. Dust falls.
These steps keep your home neat. Fix holes now to boost wall looks. Got tools questions? See our beginner’s guide to measuring tools.
