Drywall is one of those things you probably don’t think about – until there’s a hole staring back at you from the wall. Maybe a doorknob punched through it, a picture frame left an ugly dent, or a plumbing leak caused a much larger section of damage.
The good news? Many drywall repairs are surprisingly manageable with the right tools and a little patience. Here’s how to approach everything from small nail holes to larger damaged areas – and when it makes more sense to call a professional.
How to Repair Small Holes in Drywall
Small holes from nails, screws, or wall anchors are usually the easiest drywall repairs.
For a hole that’s only a few inches or less, start by cleaning away any loose drywall or torn paper around the opening. Apply a lightweight spackling compound or drywall joint compound with a putty knife, pressing it into the hole.
Let it dry completely, then lightly sand the area until it’s smooth and flush with the wall. If the hole is still visible, apply a second thin coat, allow it to dry, and sand again.
Once the repair is smooth, wipe away the dust and touch it up with matching paint.
Tip: Don’t pile on a thick layer of joint compound in one pass. Two or three thin coats usually produce a much cleaner result than one heavy coat.
Fixing Medium-Sized Holes
When a hole is too large for simple spackle, roughly a few inches across, you’re going to need some type of patch.
For smaller medium-sized holes, a self-adhesive mesh drywall patch can make the job easier. Place the patch over the damaged area, cover it with joint compound, and feather the edges outward with your putty knife.
The goal is to gradually blend the repair into the surrounding wall. After the first coat dries, sand it lightly, apply another coat, and sand again.
This part takes a little patience. If you can still see the outline of the patch, the repair isn’t quite finished yet.
How to Repair a Large Hole in Drywall
Large holes require a little more work, but the basic process is still straightforward.
First, cut away the damaged drywall until you have a clean, square or rectangular opening. You’ll need to expose enough solid drywall around the damage to create a good surface for the replacement piece.
Next, cut a new piece of drywall to fit the opening. Ideally, use drywall that’s the same thickness as the existing wall.
Depending on the size and location of the opening, you may need to install small pieces of wood or drywall backing behind the opening. These provide something solid to attach the replacement drywall to.
Secure the patch with drywall screws, then cover the seams with drywall tape and joint compound. Apply several thin coats, extending each coat slightly farther from the seam. Once everything is dry, sand the area smooth.
Finally, prime the repaired section before painting. Primer helps prevent the repaired area from looking noticeably different from the rest of the wall.
What If the Drywall Has Water Damage?
Water-damaged drywall deserves a little more attention than a normal hole.
Before repairing the drywall, identify and fix the source of the water. Otherwise, you could end up repairing the same wall again a few weeks later.
If drywall is soft, swollen, crumbling, stained from a significant leak, or showing signs of mold, simply covering it with joint compound isn’t the answer. The damaged material may need to be removed and replaced.
Water damage can also extend behind the visible portion of the wall, so it’s worth investigating before starting the cosmetic repair.
Don’t Forget About Textured Walls
A smooth drywall repair is only half the battle if your wall has texture.
After the drywall patch is finished and primed, the texture needs to be recreated so the repair blends with the surrounding wall. Depending on the type of texture, this can be one of the trickier parts of the project.
If you’ve ever tried to match an existing wall texture and ended up with a patch that’s more noticeable than the original hole, you’re definitely not alone.
When Should You Call a Professional?
DIY drywall repair makes sense for many small repairs. But larger or complicated damage can quickly turn into a frustrating project, especially when you’re trying to match texture and paint.
Consider bringing in a professional if:
- The damaged area is large or extends across multiple sections of drywall.
- The drywall was damaged by a plumbing leak or other water problem.
- There is suspected mold or significant moisture behind the wall.
- Electrical wiring or plumbing may be located behind the damaged area.
- The wall has difficult-to-match texture.
- You want the finished repair to blend seamlessly with the existing wall.
- You’re already tackling a larger remodeling project.
A professional can also help determine whether the problem is purely cosmetic or whether there’s a larger issue that needs to be addressed first.
Need Drywall Repair in the West Valley?
For homeowners in the West Valley, drywall repairs are just one of the many home improvement projects that can benefit from professional help. Damian’s Handyman and Remodeling Services provides drywall repair and other home services.
Damian’s serves homeowners throughout Surprise, Sun City, El Mirage, Waddell, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Peoria, and Glendale, as well as surrounding West Valley communities.
Whether you’ve got a small hole that needs patching or more extensive drywall damage as part of a renovation, the right repair can make a wall look like nothing ever happened.
For homeowners who would rather skip the dust, sanding, and multiple trips to the hardware store, Damian’s Handyman and Remodeling Services can help get the job done right.