A hole in the wall happens to everyone. Whether it is from a doorknob, moving furniture, or an accident, you can fix it yourself in under an hour for less than $10.
What You Will Need
- Self-adhesive mesh patch (for holes up to 6 inches)
- Joint compound (also called spackle)
- Putty knife (4-inch)
- Sandpaper (120-grit)
- Paint to match your wall
Step 1: Prep the Area
Clean up any loose drywall around the hole. Push in or break off any pieces sticking out flush with the wall. Wipe the area clean with a dry cloth.
Step 2: Apply the Mesh Patch
Peel the backing off the self-adhesive mesh patch and center it over the hole. Press it down firmly so it sticks to the wall around all edges.
Step 3: Apply Joint Compound
Use your putty knife to spread joint compound over the patch. Start from the center and work outward. Apply a thin first coat and let it dry completely (usually 2-4 hours).
Step 4: Sand and Repeat
Once the first coat is dry, sand it smooth with 120-grit sandpaper. Wipe away the dust and apply a second thin coat. For best results, apply 3 thin coats rather than 1 thick one.
Step 5: Paint
Once the final coat is sanded smooth, prime the patched area with primer (prevents the patch from showing through). Then paint to match the rest of the wall.
Pro Tips
- Feather the edges of each coat to blend with the wall
- Use a wider putty knife for each successive coat
- If the texture does not match, you can buy spray texture at any hardware store