How to Fix Small Holes in Drywall

How to Fix Small Holes in Drywall

1. Remove Torn Paper

   Using a utility knife, carve away any stray pieces of surface paper or gypsum that might be protruding out from the surface of the wall. You need the borders of the damaged area to be flat or recessed inward before you can repair the hole.

   Tip

   Protruding paper cannot be forced flat with the joint compound. It will usually stick up. So, be sure to cut it away.

2. Apply Paper Joint Tape

   Cut off two sections of paper joint tape so that each length will extend at least 2 inches beyond each side of the hole.

   Smooth down a thin layer of joint compound around the hole. Place the first piece of tape across the hole and press down to fully adhere to the wall surface. Apply another thin coat of compound over the first piece of tape, then adhere the second piece in a cross-shaped pattern. Press into place, but do not overwork the joint tape, as it can tear or fray.

   Paper vs. Mesh Tape

   Paper tape is preferred over fiberglass mesh joint tape. Even though the mesh tape is stronger, it is thicker and more challenging to get a smooth finish.

3. Cover the Paper With Joint Compound

   Using a drywall knife, carefully cover the whole area with joint compound, lightly pressing down. Extend some of the joint compound beyond the hole, then smooth it down with the drywall knife.

   At this point, do not worry if the tape is visible. It will be covered with more joint compound later.

4. Let the Drywall Patch Cure

   Allow this first layer of joint compound to dry. Drying time may take up to two or three hours. You can speed up the joint compound drying time by ventilating the area and keeping the room warm. Once the joint compound is dry and solid, lightly sand down any high spots with a drywall sanding sponge.

   Tip

   You can easily tell when the joint compound is fully cured and dry. It will all be the same shade of white with no dark spots. Some brands of drywall joint compound even start with a brilliant dye, such as pink or purple. The color fades away when the patch dries.

5. Repeat the Process

   Repeat the process once or twice by adding thin compound layers, drying, and sanding between each dried coat until you have a smooth patch over the whole area.

   Take care not to sand too deeply. When you have applied and sanded the final coat, the joint tape should not be visible. Too much sanding runs the risk of exposing the joint tape. 

6. Clean and Paint

   Wipe away all sanding dust with a clean rag, and paint over the patch area with matching paint. It generally takes two coats of paint to adequately cover the patch area, as the joint compound readily absorbs paint.

   Tip

   If you are patching many holes, you may want to first prime the patched area before painting. For just a small hole or two, it should not be necessary to prime first.