Introduction

Having a hole in the wall can be frustrating and can ruin the whole aesthetic of a room. Whether it’s a small hole left by a nail or a larger one caused by an accident, fixing a hole in the wall is not as difficult as it seems. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to fix a hole in the wall using common household items and patches, tricks for DIY repairs, and tips on how to cover and paint the repaired area.

Step-by-Step Guide

Before starting a wall repair project, some supplies will be needed, including a putty knife, sandpaper, paint scraper, spackle or joint compound, a primer, and paint that matches the existing wall color. For a small hole, scrape off any loose debris around the area, then apply spackle in thin layers, letting each layer dry before applying another. Continue until the hole is filled, then sand until even and smooth. Larger holes require a patch, which can consist of drywall patches, mesh, or plaster strips. Place the appropriate patch over the hole and apply spackle over it, starting from the center and working outward. Once dry, sand and smooth the edges to blend the repair into the surrounding wall.

Using Common Household Items

For small holes, common household items such as toothpaste, glue, or baking soda can provide an easy fix. Toothpaste can be used as a quick fix; apply it to the hole and smooth it with a putty knife, let dry, then sand. Choosing the correct glue is key when using it to fix a hole, and it should be left to dry for at least 24 hours before sanding and painting. For a larger hole, a mixture of baking soda and glue can be a helpful, temporary solution that can be smoothed, let dry, then sanded and painted.

Patching a Wall Hole

Bookcases or accidents can cause a larger hole in the wall that requires a patching technique. Drywall patches come in a variety of sizes and are simple to use. Place the patch over the hole, trace around it, then cut along the traced outline. Next, fit the patch into the hole and secure using joint compound, which should be applied thinly and evenly. Once dry, sand until smooth and repeat the process until the surface is even. Another option is to use mesh for the patching, applying it to the hole like a sticker and covering it with joint compound. When using plaster strips, the same process to fill the hole with spackle is required, and then a plaster strip is applied and smoothed with a putty knife. Once dried, sand until smooth and repeat the process until the surface is even.

DIY Tricks

When a more permanent repair can’t be made, some DIY tricks can be used to fix a hole in the wall. A pencil and crayon can be used to fill small holes when colors match, and a soap dispenser pump can be repurposed to fill the hole with spackle. For larger holes, a piece of cardboard can be taped to the wall behind the hole, and spackle applied over it followed by sanding and painting. Safety is always key when using DIY hacks, and any injuries should be treated immediately.

Covering and Painting

After the hole has been fixed, covering and painting it to match the existing wall color is essential to make the repair unnoticeable. The first step is to prime the repaired area to help the paint bond better. When the primer has dried, use a paintbrush or roller to paint the area in thin layers until the color matches the surrounding wall. Patience is key when painting; taking the time to do it right will give the best, professional-looking results.

Conclusion

Fixing a hole in the wall is a manageable task with the proper tools and techniques. Applying spackle using a putty knife for small holes and using drywall patches, mesh, or plaster strips for larger ones is a simple, effective way to repair the wall. While household items, DIY hacks, and tricks can be used to provide a more temporary solution, patching and painting the wall are the best options for a professional-looking repair. With the information provided in this article, readers can take action to fix their wall holes themselves.

For more information on repairing walls or for complex wall issues, consider seeking professional help.