Let’s talk about one of the most annoying parts of DIY projects – making little mistakes. If you’ve been renovating homes for as long as I have, the time comes when you eventually drill a hole in the wrong place or dent drywall from bumping into it. Even if you’ve never had to fix an error, but still need to fill holes in your wall for a move or home revamp, I want to help.
Today on the blog, I’m breaking down the steps on how to fill holes in a wall just like professional contractors do! Regardless of the size of the hole, with a bit of patience, you can make your wall look brand new.
What To Use To Fill Holes In A Wall
- Spackle – The main material to fill the hole.
- Putty knife – To spread the spackle smoothly.
- Sandpaper – To make the surface smooth after the spackle dries.
- Patch kit (for large holes) – To fill the space in large holes that spackle cannot do alone.
- Paint roller or paintbrushes – For repainting the area after repair.
- Drop cloth (for large holes) – To protect your floor from dust and paint splashes.
- Painter’s tape (for large holes) – To create clean paint lines.
- Sponge – For cleaning the wall before beginning the filling process.
How To Fill Holes In A Wall: A Step-by-Step Guide
The first step when filling in a hole is determining whether it’s small or large because they involve different steps. Below I will break down the step-by-step guide for both options. Small holes—like those left by nails or screws—are a quick fix, but larger holes require a bit more effort. The good news is that both repairs are doable, and with a little patience, you’ll have the wall looking as good as new.
For Small Holes:
Small holes are the most common and the easiest to repair. These come from things like nails, screws, or maybe even accidental dings from furniture or decorations. Fixing them is straightforward, and it doesn’t take much time or effort.
Clean the hole
Before doing anything, you want to make sure the area around the hole is clean. I usually just give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust or loose debris. This step is important because if the surface is dirty, the spackle won’t adhere as well, and you might end up with cracks later on.
Apply the spackle
Next, grab your spackle and putty knife. I like to take a small amount of spackle on the edge of the putty knife and press it directly into the hole. The key here is to push the spackle deep enough so it fills the entire hole but not too much that it bulges out. After that, I smooth it out with the flat side of the knife. The goal is to get the spackle as level as possible with the wall. It’s okay if there’s a slight bump—this will be fixed when you sand it.
Let it dry
Now, you’ll need to be patient. Drying times vary depending on the type of spackle, but it usually takes a couple of hours. I always make sure it’s completely dry before moving on to the next step. Rushing this can lead to cracking or uneven finishes later on.
Sand the area
Once the spackle is fully dry, grab some fine-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the area. I usually run my hand over the spot to make sure it feels smooth and level with the rest of the wall. Be gentle—you don’t want to sand too much and expose the hole again.
Paint over the patch
Finally, it’s time to paint. If you have the exact wall paint handy, use a small brush to carefully blend the patch with the surrounding wall. Once the paint dries, the hole should disappear entirely.
For Large Holes:
When you’ve got a bigger hole to deal with—something caused by a doorknob, or maybe you took down a wall fixture—things get a little trickier but still manageable. Here’s how I handle these larger holes.
Assess the damage
First, I always check to see just how big the hole is. If it’s larger than an inch or two in diameter, spackle alone won’t cut it. For anything over an inch, I use a patch kit. These kits typically come with a self-adhesive mesh patch, which gives you a solid base to apply spackle. For larger holes—like those from a removed wall-mounted TV—you might even need to cut out and replace a section of drywall.
Apply a patch
For mid-sized holes (up to about 4 inches), a mesh patch works great. You simply stick it over the hole. It’s important to make sure the patch is centered and covers the entire hole. The mesh provides structure so the spackle has something to hold onto. I usually use a slightly larger putty knife for this step, something around 6 inches wide, to spread the spackle evenly over the patch.
Layer the spackle
Unlike small holes, filling larger holes requires more than one coat of spackle. I’ll apply the first layer, let it dry, and then lightly sand it before adding the next. Each layer should get progressively smoother and thinner. By the second or third coat, the patch should be fully covered, and the surface should look flat.
Sand the area
After the final coat of spackle dries, I sand it down until the wall feels completely smooth. This is where patience pays off—spend a little extra time making sure the edges blend seamlessly into the surrounding wall. For big repairs, you don’t want any raised lines or uneven textures, or it will be noticeable once you paint.
Prime and paint
For larger holes, priming is a good idea, especially if the wall has a glossy or semi-glossy finish. Primer helps the paint stick better and ensures the repaired area doesn’t stand out. I like to use painter’s tape around the repair to make sure the paint edges are clean, especially if I’m working on a more visible part of the wall.
Filling Holes In A Wall: Q+A
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to filling holes in walls. These tips will help you make sure your repairs blend in seamlessly and stay intact over time.
Should I Prime the Wall Before Applying Paint?
Yes, priming is recommended for larger patched areas. Primer helps the paint adhere better, ensures the color looks even, and prevents the patched area from standing out. It’s especially helpful if you’re repairing a spot in a highly visible area or a wall with a glossy or semi-gloss finish.
How Can I Match the Wall Texture?
For larger holes, you may notice that even after patching, the area looks too smooth compared to the rest of the wall. To fix this, use a texture spray before you paint. Texture sprays come in various finishes to match common wall textures like orange peel or knockdown. After applying the texture spray, let it dry and lightly sand it to match the surrounding area.
How Do I Prevent Cracking Over Time?
To prevent cracking in the patched area, apply multiple thin layers of spackle instead of one thick layer. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next. This layering technique creates a more stable, durable repair and greatly reduces the risk of future cracks. Patience with this step will make a big difference in the longevity of your repair.
That’s about it! Filling holes in a wall isn’t hard, but the key is to take your time and follow each step carefully. Whether it’s a small nail hole or a bigger patch job, a little attention to detail can go a long way. After years of DIY projects, I’ve found that once you master the basics of wall repair, you’ll feel more confident tackling any hole, crack, or dent that comes your way.
Do you have any tips on how to fill holes in a wall? Let us know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts:
I really like your post. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Thank you so much!! So glad you liked it!