How to Patch a Small Hole in Drywall (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

By /

How to Patch a Small Hole in Drywall (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Whether it’s from a doorknob, a nail, or a small accident, drywall holes happen — and they make walls look rough. The good news? Small drywall holes are incredibly easy to repair, even if you’ve never done it before.

This guide shows you the fastest, simplest method for patching holes up to a few inches wide.

1. Gather the Tools You Need

You don’t need anything fancy. Here’s the basic list:

  • Spackle or lightweight joint compound
  • Putty knife (2–6 inch)
  • Sandpaper (120–220 grit)
  • Damp rag
  • Optional: self-adhesive patch (for holes larger than 1–2 inches)
  • Matching wall paint

Most of this costs under $10 total.

2. Clean the Area Around the Hole

Use your fingers or a rag to remove:

  • Dust
  • Loose drywall
  • Flaking paint
  • Crumbs of plaster

A clean surface helps the spackle stick better.

If the hole has rough edges, lightly sand it first.

3. Fill the Hole With Spackle

For nail holes, screw holes, dents, and small punctures:

How to apply spackle:

  1. Scoop a small amount onto the putty knife
  2. Press it into the hole
  3. Smooth the surface by scraping excess off
  4. Feather the edges so it blends into the wall

Pro Tip:
Hold the putty knife at a slight angle (~30 degrees) for a smoother finish.

4. Patch Larger Holes With a Self-Adhesive Patch (If Needed)

If the hole is larger than a quarter or bigger than 1–2 inches, use a mesh patch.

How to do it:

  1. Peel off the backing
  2. Stick the patch over the hole
  3. Apply a thin layer of joint compound over the patch
  4. Let it dry
  5. Apply a second coat if needed (thin, smooth, feathered)

Once dry, the patch becomes part of the wall.

5. Let It Dry Completely

Spackle dries fast — usually 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Larger patches or thicker layers may take longer.
Read the label for exact drying time.

Avoid touching the area while drying.

6. Sand the Area Smooth

Once dry, use fine-grit sandpaper (120–220) to smooth the surface.

What you’re looking for:

  • No ridges
  • No bumps
  • No rough edges
  • Completely flush with surrounding wall

Wipe away dust with a damp rag after sanding.

7. Paint Over the Patch

To finish the repair:

  1. Use matching wall paint
  2. Apply with a brush or roller
  3. Feather the edges to blend with the wall
  4. Let dry and add a second coat if needed

Once painted, your repair will be invisible.

When to Use Joint Compound Instead of Spackle

Use joint compound if:

  • The patch is larger than 2 inches
  • You’re covering a mesh patch
  • You want the smoothest possible finish

Spackle = small repairs
Joint compound = bigger repairs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using too much spackle — causes lumps
  • Not sanding enough — leaves texture bumps
  • Skipping cleaning — leads to poor adhesion
  • Painting too soon — causes visible marks
  • Applying thick coats — cracks as it dries

Thin, even layers always look better.

When You Need a Bigger Repair

Call a pro or do a more advanced repair if:

  • The hole is larger than 4–5 inches
  • There’s water damage
  • The drywall is soft or crumbling
  • The wall is bowed or cracked deeply

These require cutting out drywall and installing a new sheet.

Quick Summary

Fixing a small drywall hole is simple:

  1. Clean area
  2. Apply spackle
  3. Let dry
  4. Sand smooth
  5. Paint to match

Takes about 10–20 minutes of actual work.

Scroll to Top