How To Patch Holes In Drywall (DIY)

Drywall is a common building material used in homes and offices for its durability and ease of installation. However, Drywall can develop various types of damage over time, such as holes, cracks, dents, and water damage.

This DIY Drywall Repair Guide covers How to Patch Holes in Drywall – from small or large holes to water-damaged or damaged drywall corners.

How much does drywall repair cost? That answer depends on the extent of drywall repairs you need and the region in which you live.

However, according to Mr. Handyman, drywall repairs under 2 square feet can run between $100-$700, not including trip/service charges,

So, for anyone looking to save money, those homeowners simply wondering How to Patch a Hole in Drywall by themselves – read on and learn how to fix the eight most common drywall repairs yourself:

1)  How to Fix “Small Holes” in Drywall

Materials Required:

• Spackling Compound (We highly recommend DAP Drydex Compound)
• 2″ or 3″ Putty knife 
• 150 Grit Sandpaper
• Paint

DIY Repairs:

1. Clean the area around the hole to remove any loose debris or dust.
2. Apply a spackling compound to the outside of the hole, slightly larger than the mesh patch you are using, and fill the mesh patch. Do not leave any excess joint compound on the wall.
3. Let the Joint Compound Dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Sand the patched area until it’s smooth and blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall. Repeat steps 2 & 3 as necessary to level the hole with drywall.
5. Apply paint to match the color of the wall, blending it with the rest of the surface.

2)  How to Fix “Large Holes” in Drywall

Materials Required:

• Buy a Large Drywall Patch Kit from Amazon **
• Joint compound
• Drywall tape
• 12″ Drywall joint knife
• 150 Grit Sandpaper
• Paint

** Optional Method: Instead of buying a Drywall Patch Kit, you can substitute the patch kit’s wood boards by purchasing a piece of 1 x 3 pine instead and installing it, as shown below, with drywall screws.

DIY Repairs:

1. Place a new piece of drywall over the large hole in the drywall and trace around it. 
2. Cut out the Hole you just traced.
3. Screw Wood Boards behind all four edges of the hole you just cut out.
4. Backfill New piece of drywall with Joint compound and screw to the wood boards
5. Install Mesh Patch over the New Drywall, Apply joint compound around the patch’s edges, and embed drywall tape over the compound.
6. Smooth out the compound and let it dry completely.
7. Sand the patched area until it’s smooth and level with the wall, and Repeat steps 6 & 7.
8. Apply paint to match the wall color, blending it with the surrounding area.

3)  How to “Repair Cracks” in Drywall

Materials Required:

• Spackling Compound
• 3″ or 4″ Putty knife
• 150 Grit Sandpaper
• Paint

DIY Repairs:

1. Clean the crack and remove any loose debris or paint.
2. Apply spackling compound to the crack using a putty knife, filling it entirely.
3. Smooth the compound and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Sand the patched area until it’s smooth and blends with the wall.
5. Apply paint to match the wall color, blending it with the rest of the surface.

NOTE: The above-recommended Diy Repairs are shown for repairing “Hairline” Drywall Cracks.  If your drywall cracks are larger than 1/16″, use flexible mesh drywall tape to avoid cracking the joint compound later.

4)  How to “Fix Screw Holes” in Drywall

Materials Required:

• Spackling compound
• Small 2-3″ Putty knife
• 150 Grit Sandpaper
• Paint

DIY Repairs:

1. Clean the area around the screw hole to remove any debris.
2. Apply spackling compound to the hole using a putty knife, filling it completely.  Note:  for multiple holes (see photo) use a Larger putty knife to cover all the holes with joint compound.
3. Smooth out the excess compound and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Lightly Sand the patched area until it’s smooth and blends with the wall.  Repeat steps 3 & 4 to fill any dents or voids. Note: Holes will show in drywall after painting the wall if the holes are not entirely flush with drywall.
5. Apply paint to match the wall color, blending it with the rest of the surface.

5)  How to “Fix Nail Holes” in Wall

Materials Required:

• Spackling compound
• Small Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Paint

DIY Repairs:

1. Clean the area around the nail hole to remove any debris.
2. Apply spackling compound to the hole using a putty knife and fill it.
3. Smooth out the excess compound and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Lightly Sand the patched area until it’s smooth and blends with the wall.  Repeat steps 3 & 4 to fill any dents or voids. Note: Holes will show up in drywall after painting the wall – if the holes are not entirely flush with drywall, which usually requires two coats.
5. Apply paint to match the wall color, blending it with the rest of the surface.

6). How to “Fix Dents” in Drywall 

Materials Required:

• Joint compound
• Large Putty knife or Drywall Joint Knife
• 150 Grit Sandpaper
• Paint

DIY Repairs:

1. Clean the dent and remove any loose debris or paint.
2. For Dents Exceeding 1/8″ Depth:  Use Mesh tape (as shown in the photo above). Apply joint compound to the dent using a Large putty knife or Drywall Joint Knife.
3. Place the Drywall Joint Mesh Tape over the dent, filling the mesh tape flush with the face of the drywall.  Avoid leaving excess compound on the wall.
4. For “Shallow Dents less than 1/6” Deep: (Mesh drywall tape not required). Apply joint compound to the dent using a Large putty knife or Drywall Joint Knife, filling it flush with the face of the drywall.  Avoid leaving excess compound on the wall.
5. Lightly Sand the patched area until it’s smooth and blends with the wall.  Repeat steps 3 & 4 to fill any dents or voids.

Note: Incomplete filled Holes will show in drywall after painting the wall – if the holes are not entirely flush with drywall.

7. Apply paint to match the wall color, blending it with the rest of the surface.

7)  How to Replace “Water-Damaged” Drywall

Materials Required:

• Utility knife
• New drywall sheet
• Joint compound
• 12 ” Drywall Joint Knife
• Mesh Drywall Joint Tape
• 150 Grit Sandpaper
• Paint

DIY Repairs:

1. Use a utility knife to remove the damaged drywall, creating a clean edge.
2. Measure and cut a new drywall sheet to fit the opening.
3. Apply construction adhesive to studs, and Attach with drywall screws
4. Apply joint compound around the edges of the new drywall and embed mesh drywall tape over the compound.
5. Smooth out the compound and let it dry completely.
6. Sand the patched area until it’s smooth and level with the wall. Repeat steps 3, 4, & 5 to achieve a flush drywall finish with no voids or dips.
7. Apply paint to match the wall color, blending it with the surrounding area.

8)  How to Fix “Damaged Drywall Corners”

Materials Required:

• Metal Corner bead (Optional: For severe corner damage)
• Joint compound
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Paint

DIY Repairs:

A)  For Damaged Corner Bead

1. Remove any damaged corner bead using a utility knife or pliers for seriously damaged corners.
2. Cut a new corner bead to fit the corner and secure it with a joint compound.
3. Apply joint compound over the corner bead and smooth it out with a putty knife.
4. Let the compound dry completely.
5. Sand the patched area until it’s smooth and blends with the wall.
6. Apply paint to match the wall color, blending it with the rest of the surface.

B)   Non-Damaged Corner Bead

1. Clean the damaged drywall and remove any loose debris or paint.
2. Use a 3 or 4″ putty knife to apply the Joint Compound to damage the drywall corner.
3. Smooth out the compound and let it dry completely.
4. Sand the patched area until it’s smooth and level with the wall. Repeat steps 3 & 4 to achieve a flush drywall finish with no voids or dips.
5. Apply paint to match the wall color, blending it with the surrounding area.

How To Repair Drywall Video (Lowes Home Improvement) 

Conclusion

Drywall repair is typical for any homeowner, and knowing how to fix drywall holes or damage is a simple and cost-effective DIY tool.

Furthermore, whether Selling a home or Moving into a new home, you will most likely be required to fix nails or screw holes where artwork was previously placed.

Following these step-by-step Drywall Repair instructions and using suitable materials, you can effectively repair various types of drywall damage in your home or office, ensuring a smooth and seamless finish.

Additional Resources & Reading:

• How to Repair Holes in Drywall – FamilyHandyman.Com
• EPA Mold Guidelines For Removing or Remediating Mold – EPA.Gov
• Toilet Still Running?  Check out this DIY Guide for Simple Toilet Repairs
• How To Clean Stained Grout – 3 Simple Remedies – Besthomegear.com
• CDC Guide For Homeowners after Flooding Disaster – CDC.Gov
• The Best Wet Dry Shop Vacs For Cleanup – BestHomeGear.Com