How to Patch Drywall

Small Holes (Nail Pops, Screw Holes)

These are the easiest repairs. You need spackle (or lightweight joint compound), a putty knife, and sandpaper.

1. Remove any loose material or protruding nail/screw
2. Fill the hole with spackle using a 2-inch putty knife
3. Smooth flush with the wall surface
4. Let dry completely (30-60 minutes for spackle)
5. Sand smooth with 120-grit sandpaper
6. Prime and paint

Medium Holes (1-4 inches, doorknob dents)

Use a self-adhesive mesh patch (available at any hardware store for $3-5).

1. Clean the area and remove loose drywall
2. Apply the mesh patch centered over the hole
3. Spread joint compound over the patch with a 6-inch knife
4. Feather the edges 2-3 inches beyond the patch
5. Let dry (4-6 hours for joint compound)
6. Apply a second thin coat, feathering wider
7. Sand smooth after drying, prime, and paint

Large Holes (4+ inches)

For larger damage, you need to cut a drywall patch.

1. Cut a piece of new drywall slightly larger than the hole
2. Hold the patch over the hole and trace around it
3. Cut along your traced line with a drywall saw
4. Install wood backing strips behind the opening (screw through existing drywall into the strips)
5. Screw the patch to the backing strips
6. Tape all seams with paper drywall tape
7. Apply 3 coats of joint compound, drying and sanding between each
8. Prime and paint the entire wall for best color match

The secret to invisible drywall repair is patience. Three thin coats are always better than one thick coat. Each coat should be sanded smooth and feathered wider than the last. The final sanded surface should be completely smooth to the touch before priming.