How to Fix Holes in Drywall - 4 Easy Methods

Drywall holes fall into four sizes, and each one has a different fix. Small holes under 1.5 inches (nail holes, small anchors) only need joint compound. Fist-size holes up to about 5 inches get a mesh patch or California patch. Anything bigger needs backer boards for support. And major damage goes stud-to-stud with a full drywall replacement.

Figure out which category yours falls into before buying supplies.

For holes under 1.5 inches, you don't need tape or a patch kit. Scoop pre-mixed joint compound onto a putty knife and push it into the hole. Be generous. You want compound backfilling the hole so it's solid behind the surface.

The first coat will bulge out and bubble. That's normal. Let it dry completely, then come back to sand and add a second coat.

For holes up to about 5 inches, stick a self-adhesive mesh patch over the damage. Smooth it flat against the wall with no wrinkles or creases. Then push joint compound through the mesh into the hole behind it. You want a lot of mud behind the patch to rebuild the missing drywall.

Cover the entire patch surface with compound and smooth it with your knife. It doesn't need to be perfect on the first coat.

Cut a piece of drywall about 1.5 inches bigger than the hole on all sides. Score lines on the back to mark the plug area, then snap off the gypsum and back paper from the edges. Leave the front paper intact as a flap all the way around.

Apply compound inside the hole and on the paper flaps. Press the plug in, smooth the paper against the wall, and skim coat over the whole thing. The paper acts like built-in tape.

Holes bigger than a fist need support behind the patch. Cut two strips of plywood or scrap wood wider than the hole. Slide each strip through the hole, hold it flat against the back of the drywall, and drive screws through the drywall into the wood to pull it tight.

Now your patch has solid backing to screw into at all four corners. Cut a piece of drywall to fit the opening, screw it to the backer boards, and mud the seams.

Large damage needs a full section replaced from stud to stud. Use a stud finder to locate both studs, mark them, and cut out the damaged section with a jab saw. Split the stud exposure so the new piece has a lip to sit on.

Cut a matching piece of drywall, screw it into the studs, then cover every seam with self-adhesive mesh tape. Push compound into the tape and cover all four sides. The tape bridges the gap between old and new drywall.

After the first coat of compound dries (usually overnight), sand it smooth. A sanding sponge works for small patches. An orbital sander speeds things up on bigger areas. Wear a dust mask and goggles for this part.

Apply a second skim coat using a wider knife than you used for the first coat. Feather the edges outward so the patch blends into the surrounding wall. You may need a third coat for larger repairs.

A smooth patch on a textured wall stands out. For orange peel texture, use a spray can of wall texture and move in a circular pattern. For knockdown or Santa Fe texture, spray the texture on, then pull a wide knife across to flatten the peaks. Test the spray on cardboard first to dial in the settings.

Let the texture dry, then paint over the whole area. The compound is porous, so it will soak up the first coat. Two coats of paint will match the rest of the wall.