A couple of years ago, we decided to repaint my grandparents’ living room. The only problem was that the house was old so the walls had some holes in them. We were about to give up on the whole thing until we finally found some ways to fix it. It’s quite easy, so let me tell you how to patch a hole in drywall like a pro.

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Before we get started, we need to make sure we have the right material and equipment. 

Now we have everything, let’s get to the patching.

What Supplies Do You Need to Patch a Hole in Drywall?

Nail pops are common in drywalls. Luckily, they only need 4 steps to disappear.

The first step is to get the drill and screw two more nails, one above the popped nail head, and the other below it. Make sure to keep about 1.5 inches between every two nails.

Now, use your drill once more to drive the popped nail head in until it’s under the surface.

With the help of a taping knife, use the joint compound to cover the nail heads. Make sure they’re at the same level as the surface. When the compound is dry, use sandpaper to make sure it’s smooth.

Finally, when all is dry and set, use the primer to cover the patch. Let the primer dry, then add your chosen paint. Now you’ll have a perfectly smooth wall.

How to Patch Nail Pops

Small holes can be caused by doorknobs, punches in the wall, or even the edge of a chair. You can fix them in just 4 steps.

Measure the hole, then get a self-adhesive mesh patch and place it over the whole. Keep in mind that the patch has to be bigger than the hole, with at least 2 inches on all sides.

Now use your taping knife, and add some joint compound on the patch in a crisscross shape. Keep repeating this step till the mesh patch is even with the surface.

In order to ensure smoothness, use sandpaper over the dry compound.

Finally, when the compound is dry and even, add a primer and let it dry. Then, add some paint on it and let it dry.

How to Patch a Hole in Drywall (Small Hole)

Just because some holes are bigger than 6 inches doesn’t mean you can’t handle them. 

This time we’re using a part of drywall. The first thing you need to do is purchase a drywall patch with the same thickness as your damaged drywall. Most houses use drywall of 0.5 inches, but you need to check ahead. 

It’s time to cut. Some people prefer cutting around the hole in a square shape, then cutting the new drywall to fit it. However, there’s an easier and more accurate way to get this job done. Place your new drywall over the hole, and use a pencil to trace around it. Now you should have the exact measures on the wall. Use a utility knife or a drywall saw to cut the edges. Now we have a drywall patch, and a frame to put it in. It’s important to make sure you’re not cutting any cables or pipes behind the drywall, so be extra cautious with this step.

For this step, you’ll need two boards of wood. You need to place them on the two longest sides of the hole. Add construction adhesive on the wood, then insert each board slowly behind the hole. Make sure half of the board is hidden behind the wall, and half is visible.

Now use your drill to screw the wood to the drywall. Two screws for each board would be fine. Then, get the extra drywall and put it in the frame. Use the drill again to screw it to the wood. Finally, get a mesh tape, and add it on the edges for more support.

Get your joint compound, and apply it over the edges with a taping knife. Let the compound dry. Add an extra layer of the compound in a crisscross pattern, and sand it again.

When the wall is smooth and dry, add some primer. Finally, add your paint and voila, your wall is as good as new.


How to Patch a Hole in Drywall (Big Hole)

Some people think that corners are the most complicated to fix. However, they require minimal effort. 

The first thing you need to do is cut around the damaged area and remove all the uneven parts with your utility knife.

Now place the corner bead over the damaged area, and make sure it’s placed evenly and firmly. You can either use a metal bead and screw it to the wall or stick a paper one.

When your tape is placed, add the joint compound over it till the tape is even with the surface. Next, use sandpaper for extra smoothness.

The last thing is to add your primer, and then add some paint when it’s all dry.

How to Patch Corner Holes

Some people would opt for a handyman, which is fine, but with these steps, you can do it yourself. Get your family to help too, and it’ll be a bonding activity. From the tiniest nail holes to the largest ones in the wall, you can handle it all by yourself.

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How to Patch a Hole in Drywall

What Supplies Do You Need to Patch a Hole in Drywall?

How to Patch Nail Pops

How to Patch a Hole in Drywall (Small Hole)

How to Patch a Hole in Drywall (Big Hole)

How to Patch Corner Holes

Final Thoughts