How to Repair a Small Hole in a Wall
The best method to fix a small hole in the wall will depend on how big the hole is and what made the hole.
Written by Lynell Spencer
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
To fix a small hole in the wall, you will need joint tape, drywall compound, sanding blocks, and paint for starters. Bigger holes may require more tools, but the process for patching is fairly simple.
Getting a small hole in your drywall is common, and it’s pretty easy to fix yourself. But repairing it right away is important—you don’t want to get moisture inside your walls or create an entrance for bugs and rodents.
That’s why
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, has put together this guide to help you take quick and decisive action to repair your walls and keep your home in good condition. Here’s everything you need to know about repairing holes in your wall—from how to prepare the area to how to treat holes of different sizes to how to match the paint on the wall. Let Jerry find you the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs
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How to repair a small hole in the wall
It seems as though getting a small hole in your wall is inevitable at some point. From the tiny holes created from hanging decor to the bigger ones caused by any number of home accidents, you should have no problem making your walls look new again.
Prepare the area properly
Before doing any repair work, clean the wall around the hole, removing any protruding paper or piece of drywall. Then, sand down the area so that the wall is completely flat, and wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
MORE: Home insurance liability coverage
Repairing small holes
Depending on the size of the hole, you’ll need different tools to fix it and need to follow a slightly different process. Here’s what you should do for holes of varying sizes.
Holes 0.5 inches or less
These smaller holes are usually caused by screws or nails, and they are pretty easy to cover up. Typically, for a hole that is less than a half-inch, you’ll need to:
- Apply spackle or wall joint compound to the hole with a putty knife
- Let it dry completely
- Sand lightly before painting
Holes 0.5 to 1.5 inches
For a slightly larger hole, you will need some joint paper tape, a putty knife, and a joint compound. Here’s what you do:
- Apply joint compound to the hole and surrounding area, covering two inches around the hole
- Use the joint tape to cover the hole in an “X” shape extending to the edges of the joint compound. Press the tape down so that it sticks onto the wall completely
- Use the putty knife to carefully cover the area with more of the joint compound in a thin layer.
- Let this dry completely, and then lightly sand the area
- Repeat this process until the joint tape no longer shows through, and the edges of the joint compound are flush with the wall
- Now you are ready to add texture or primer and paint
Holes 1.5-4 inches
You can use a galvanized-metal patch to provide stability for a slightly larger hole. These can be purchased at any hardware store for less than $10. To apply it:
- Peel off the paper backing and press it to the wall centered over the hole
- Then spread on three coats of compound, letting each dry thoroughly before applying the next
- The final coat should be at least 12 in. sq. so that the compound at the edges of the patch feathers out to the surrounding wall.
Holes 4-6 inches
A larger hole (that is still under six inches), will need a few more parts and a little know-how, but can still be done yourself. For this method, in addition to joint compound, you will also need:
- Mesh tape
- A utility knife
- A small 1” x 3” beam (about 4 inches wider than your hole)
- A small piece of drywall
- Drywall screws
Then, follow these steps:
- Start by cleaning the wall. Use a utility knife to cut the hole into a square, and sand down any rough edges.
- Next, insert the 1x3 board into the hole, holding it against the wall, and secure it with drywall screws on both sides of the hole. This creates a backing for your sheetrock patch.
- Cut a piece of sheetrock just slightly smaller than the hole, put it in place, and use a drywall screw to secure it to the wood backing.
- Tape the seams. Place mesh tape over the seams of the opening around the drywall patch.
- With a putty knife, apply joint compound over the mesh tape and screws. Let it dry.
- Sand the dry joint compound until the area is smooth. Apply a coat of primer to seal, then texture and paint the area to match the rest of the wall.
Key Takeaway The size of the hole in your wall will determine the tools you need and what goes into the process.
Tips and tricks for fixing a hole in your wall
Once you have your small hole patched, some final touches will help ensure that your wall is perfectly restored.
Paint matching
Make sure that you have an exact paint match before you start your repair, or you may be looking at repainting your whole wall.
Texture
Don’t forget to add texture if your wall has it. You can use a spray texture so the process is relatively simple.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover holes in the wall?
Your
homowners insurance
will cover a hole in the wall if it is caused by one of the perils included in your policy, like vandalism or fire. That said, if the repair is cheap and you can do it yourself, it may not be worth it—and filing a claim may cause your rates to rise. Finding affordable homeowners insurance
Even if you don’t submit a claim for a hole in your wall, it’s a good idea to check on your insurance policy—you could be overpaying!
The best way to ensure you’re not overpaying for insurance is to shop around and compare quotes. But who has time for that? That’s where
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FAQ
What is the fastest way to fix a hole in the drywall?
If the hole is small enough, the fastest fix is to simply cover the spot with joint compound and sand it down. However, for slightly larger holes, you can typically buy a wall repair kit that should have everything you need. Patching the hole can be done quickly, but you will need some time to sand the patch, and then prime, texture, and paint the area so that the patch isn’t visible.
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