Easy 2-4 hours (plus drying time) $15-$40 in materials

DIY Drywall Patching Guide

Fix small holes and dents in your drywall with this beginner-friendly step-by-step guide.

How to Patch Drywall — 4 Easy Methods

Home Repair Tutor · 5M+ views

What This Video Covers

Four different drywall patching methods for different hole sizes
How to apply joint compound smoothly without visible seams
Sanding and finishing techniques for an invisible repair
When a hole is too large for DIY and you need a professional

Safety Warnings

Wear a dust mask when sanding joint compound. The fine dust can irritate your lungs.
If the damaged area reveals electrical wires or plumbing, do not proceed. Call a professional.
Test for asbestos before disturbing drywall in homes built before 1990. Contact a certified testing lab.

Step-by-Step Guide

Assess the damage

Small holes (under 6 inches) can be patched with a repair kit. Larger holes or structural damage require a professional drywaller. If you see water damage or mould, stop and call a pro.

Gather your materials

For small holes, you need a drywall patch kit, joint compound (mud), a putty knife, sandpaper (120-grit), and matching paint. For nail pops, just spackle and a putty knife.

Prepare the area

Remove any loose drywall around the hole. For nail holes, push the nail back in or remove it. Clean the area of dust and debris. Lay down a drop cloth to protect your floor.

Apply the patch or compound

For small holes: apply the self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole. For nail holes: fill directly with spackle. Spread joint compound over the patch with your putty knife, feathering the edges outward.

Let it dry completely

Joint compound needs 24 hours to dry fully. Do not rush this step. In humid conditions, allow extra drying time. The compound will turn from dark to white when dry.

Sand smooth

Once fully dry, sand the patched area with 120-grit sandpaper until smooth and level with the surrounding wall. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth.

Apply a second coat if needed

For larger patches, a second thin coat of compound creates a smoother finish. Let dry and sand again. The goal is an invisible repair.

Prime and paint

Apply a coat of primer over the patch (unprimed compound absorbs paint differently). Once the primer dries, apply matching paint. You may need to paint the entire wall for a seamless colour match.