How TO FIX
WALLS

When a slip of the hammer leads to an unsightly hole in your wall, or when cracks appear over the course of time, skip the toothpaste and glue and use joint compound and drywall joint tape instead. Look for premixed, all-purpose compound at hardware stores.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The following instructions for holes, dents, and cracks are for repairs to drywall. If your walls are made of plaster, you can simply fill small holes with fast-drying patching plaster or plaster of Paris: First mix the plaster powder with water according to the package instructions, then wet the surface area of the hole before filling in. Let dry before priming and painting.

PATCH HOLES AND DENTS

Supplies

  • Paintbrush
  • Putty knife
  • Joint compound
  • Fine-grade sandpaper (120- to 150-grit)
  • Primer and paint
  • Drywall joint tape (for small holes)
  • Self-adhesive mesh patch (for larger holes)

For tiny HOLES (less than ½ inch):

  1. 1. Begin by brushing away any loose material in and around the hole with a dry paintbrush.
  2. 2. Using a putty knife, fill the hole with joint compound, erring on the side of overfilling (you will sand the surface later). Scrape off any excess compound with the knife, and let dry. Repeat as needed to fill.
  3. 3. Sand the area until it’s smooth and level with the surrounding surface. The area is ready to prime and paint.

FOR SMALL HOLES (UP TO 2 INCHES):

  1. 1. Clean area around hole, then cut a piece of drywall joint tape to just cover the hole. Apply a thin layer of joint compound to the wall, and lay joint tape in place.
  2. 2. Using a putty knife, cover tape with compound, feathering it out to a 6-inch-diameter circle. Let dry.
  3. 3. Sand as above.

For larger holes (up to 6 inches):

  1. 1. Clean area around hole, sand lightly, then brush away dust.
  2. 2. Cover hole with a self-adhesive square mesh patch, which comes in a range of sizes.
  3. 3. Using a putty knife, fill with two or three coats of spackling, (allowing each to dry in between), feathering to a circle that’s about 3 inches larger in diameter than the patch.
  4. 4. Sand as above.

REPAIR a hairline crack

Supplies

  • Scraper or 5-in-1 tool
  • Fine-grade sandpaper (120- to 150-grit)
  • Primer sealer
  • Paintbrush
  • Taping knife
  • Joint compound
  • Drywall joint tape
  • Primer and paint
  1. 1. Remove any loose material around the crack with a scraper or 5-in-1 tool.
  2. 2. Sand any raised spots and apply a primer sealer with a paintbrush; let dry.
  3. 3. Using a taping knife, cover entire crack with a thick coat of joint compound.
  4. 4. Place a piece of drywall joint tape over the compound, covering the entire length of the crack. With your taping knife, go over the tape to press out excess compound. Let dry.
  5. 5. Apply a thin coat of joint compound with the knife, spreading it to about 5 inches wider than the tape on either side. Let dry.
  6. 6. Sand lightly, and the wall will then be ready to prime and paint.