How to Repair
Wall Holes Yourself

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How to Repair Wall Holes Yourself. Yes, you could always just hang something over the holes to hide them from sight.

Almost as easy?

You can patch small holes in drywall or plaster yourself.



1 Grab your vacuum and suck away any loose plaster, paint chips, or dust from the hole.

2 Using a putty knife, fill the hole with a premixed spackling compound.

Smooth it level with the surface. A shortcut here: If you have leftover latex paint that matches the surface, add a small amount of paint to the premixed spackling compound.

Use a putty knife to fill the hole with the paint-and-spackling mixture.

3 Let the compound dry thoroughly.

A few hours or overnight will generally do the trick. If the hole is deep, the spackling compound will shrink slightly when dry. A second application may be needed to make the hole smooth and even with the rest of the surface.

4 Smooth repair area with a damp sponge.

This helps get rid of any lingering surface dust or other debris that could cause your patch, once painted, look less than desirable.

5 Paint over the spackled area to cover.

With a matching paint color, of course.

If done carefully, the patch may blend in well enough to require no further sanding or painting. This works only for small holes, such as those caused by picture hooks.

A larger, deeper perforation may require two applications of the spackling compound; sand after each application has dried and touch up with paint.

Corrective Caulking You Can Tackle Yourself

Preventative Plumbing: Tips to Keep the Plumber Away

From Wall Patching: Return to Maintain & Repair