Holes in the wall are pretty shocking when it happens, but luckily, this is a fix that most people can do on their own. There are a few exceptions, such as if the hole is overly large or if there may be underlying damage that is structural. However, in most cases, you can easily fix a small hole in the wall very easily. You will need to have a few tools and materials on hand before you get started.
We recommend:
- drywall putty
- a flour sack
- sandpaper
- paint to match the wall
- a painter’s knife
First, you’ll need to determine how bad the hole is. If it’s a simple cosmetic hole, the fix will be pretty easy and you may not need to worry about filling the area. However, if you’ve got a pretty large hole, it’s a good idea to stuff something in there to make it easier to fill. A flour sack works very well for this purpose, and can make it easier to get the job done quickly. You may also want to get a special kit from the hardware store that will have filler that can be inserted into the hole.
Once you’ve got the hole filled, it’s time to cover it up. Grab your drywall putty and your painter’s knife and get started. You’ll want to use a spackle motion to apply the putty to the wall. Overlap the hole as you go to create a strong bond. Make sure that you don’t use too much or you’ll end up with a mess on your hand. Too little however and you won’t be able to get the job done. Instead of glopping it on all at once, gradually apply the putty until the area is even and filled in.
Now, you’re going to need to let this dry before proceeding to the next step. It may take a few hours depending on the type of putty you used. Make sure you read the instructions so that you’re not jumping the gun. When the putty is completely dry to the touch, get your sandpaper and smooth out the area. You’ll need to make a few passes to get everything smoothed out and even with the rest of the wall.
Once you’ve finished this, you’ll be able to paint over the area. Most drywall putty is taupe or light brown in color so you won’t have to worry too much about covering it up with paint. If the wall is white, you’re probably going to need to add a few coats to prevent see through. Let the paint dry completely before you quit to make sure that it looks right.
It is important to address a common technique that many people use as a shortcut. If you’ve got a small hole in the wall and you’re a renter, you can easily make it look as though it’s fixed by adding a little white toothpaste to the area. For bigger holes, some people like to try mixing flour and water to create a paste and using a sheet to cover the hole. We don’t recommend this fix since it is not permanent.
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Categories:
Aesthetics, Handy Man, Repair, Walls
Tags:
Drywall, exceptions, flour sack, Hardware Store, hole in the wall, holes in the wall, job, jumping the gun, large hole, paint, putty, sandpaper, tools and materials
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2 comments ↓
Be sure to NOT sand drywall, the dust causes lung problems, use a scruffy pad/sponge thats wet to smooth the finish.
Thanks Magic Mike…
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