Learning how to patch a hole in the wall that is bigger than a couple inches will require a little more time and more tools, but it’s not too difficult and is still something you’ll be able to complete on your own. Other than that, these kits are great for easily patching small drywall holes, and are very simple to use. It’s best to avoid these if the damage to the drywall is more than a couple inches in diameter, or if you suspect that the drywall in the area around the hole may have been weakened. This is one of the easiest ways to fix a hole in the wall.įor these small holes, you can buy a drywall repair kit that will include everything you need – the repair patch, spackling, putty knife, and sandpaper. Then you just need to cover the mesh with drywall mud or spackle, allow it dry, sand, and repeat. If you see extra filler, take care of it with some spot sanding otherwise, you’re all set! Paint the drywall or wooden surface, and forget about those holes for good.For small holes that are a few inches in diameter or less, you can buy mesh patches that will cover the entire hole. The paste should only fill the hole and not extend past its edges. Lightly sand the area around the hole to eliminate any excess compound from your second application, and then inspect the hole itself.
STEP 5: Prepare for paint with one last sanding.
#Best way to cover holes in wall free#
If you don’t give it a chance to dry, you can’t sand it, and without sanding, you can’t be sure the wall is completely free of leftover bumps or depressions that would draw attention to your spackling job. Note: Some spackling paste is advertised as “paintable when wet,” but it’s best to err on the side of caution. Follow the same two-swipe method described in Step 3, then let the compound dry for the recommended amount of time. For that reason, it’s best to apply another thin layer even if you think the first application filled the hole completely. Some spackling and wood filler compounds shrink more than others, but it’s difficult to see the shrinkage until the wall has been painted. STEP 4: Apply a second layer of compound. Remember: Move in a circular pattern when sanding drywall, and follow the grain when sanding wood. Once the spackling paste has dried completely (the time varies by brand), lightly sand the area with a fine-grit sanding block. If you find that your second swipe across the nail hole leaves streaks of spackling paste on the wall or wood, you’ve probably used more paste than necessary take note and scoop up a little less the next time. The best method involves two swipes: one either sideways or downward to fill the hole with compound, followed by a second swipe back in the opposite direction to wipe away the excess. Smoothing with your hands will leave the spackled hole with a slight depression because your digits are not perfectly flat. Once you’ve selected an appropriate product, scoop up a roughly dime-size dollop of spackling paste or filler, and smooth it across the nail hole using the 2″ SuperFlexx Stainless Steel Putty Knife-not your fingers, however tempting that may be. For bare wood that will be stained or wood used in an exterior project, look for compounds that are specifically labeled for the intended use. Basic wood filler compounds work in situations where you’re planning on painting over the surface later to hide the obviously discolored patch. For wood, choose a wood filler that’s formulated for the surface at hand.For drywall, pick up a good-quality spackling paste (your choice of either the premixed stuff, which comes in a small tub, or a dry powder that you’ll combine with water) to fill the holes.Make sure you select the right one for the job. Though similar in application, different patching compounds are formulated for use on different surfaces. In fact, if you neglect to wipe it down immediately after the job, simply give it a small bend, and any dried leftover compound will fall right off. Plus, the tool’s stainless steel is impervious to rust. The bottom section of the blade glides at an angle along the wall surface, helping to push the compound into the hole and reducing the risk of scratching the surface with the corners of the blade (which can happen if you’re using a rigid blade).
The slight flexibility facilitates easy spreading as you pull the spackling over the hole. Photo: STEP 2: Choose the right hand tools.įor a small-scale spackling job, you’ll need to select a putty knife with a little bit of give in its blade, like HYDE’s 2” SuperFlexx Stainless Steel Putty Knife.
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